Commanders name Howell starting QB

The Washington Commanders named Sam Howell their starting quarterback Friday.

Sam Howell has been named the starting quarterback pic.twitter.com/XOfZu8mBxH

- Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 18, 2023

Head coach Ron Rivera is "very confident and comfortable" with Howell as the team's top signal-caller, he told The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala.

The former North Carolina star was able to fend off Jake Fromm and veteran passer Jacoby Brissett to secure the starting job.

Rivera added: "I think everybody knew that, from my perspective, it was Sam's (spot) to lose," per Jhabvala.

Howell acknowledged the chance to lead the Commanders on Friday afternoon. "It means a lot of course to have this opportunity in front of me," the quarterback said, according to ESPN's John Keim. "All my work is ahead of me; this is only the beginning."

Howell, who turns 23 on Sept. 16, made one start in 2022 after being selected in the fifth round of the NFL draft. He threw for 169 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a Week 18 win against the Dallas Cowboys. Howell also had 35 yards and a rushing score on five carries.

The Commanders hired former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy this offseason in an attempt to improve an offense that finished 20th in yards per game and 24th in points per contest last season.

Washington opens its regular season against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 10.

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