The Seattle Seahawks didn’t take lengthy to switch Drew Lock on the quarterback depth chart. Former Washington Commanders starter Sam Howell was acquired by Seattle through commerce, with the Seahawks sending a 2024 third- and fifth-round decide to Washington in trade for Howell, in addition to 2024 fourth- and sixth-round picks.
Howell was drafted by the Commanders within the fifth spherical again in 2022, however solely performed one sport as a rookie. He began each sport of the 2023 season, throwing 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions whereas throwing over 600 passes on one of many league’s worst groups. Howell is simply 23 years outdated, youthful than Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr as John Schneider famous, so there’s perception that in a greater setting he could possibly succeed. For now, Howell can be Geno Smith’s backup.
In a particular version of 5 Qs and 5 As, I bought the prospect to ask Hogs Haven managing editor Scott Jennings about what he considered Howell’s time in Washington, plus his ideas on the commerce. Get pleasure from!
1.) Howell took a ridiculously excessive variety of sacks (65) and led the NFL with 21 interceptions. How a lot of that was as a result of efficiency of the offensive line, and the way a lot of it was Howell making unhealthy selections with the ball whatever the strain in his face?
Howell’s sack issues early within the season have been a mix of the offensive line, Eric Bieniemy’s play calling, and Howell attempt to make performs occur. He held the ball too lengthy, and the teaching employees pounded it in to him to get the ball out quicker because the season progressed. Howell’s sack numbers went down, and his interceptions began going up as he pressured the ball out quicker, whether or not the play was there or not.
2.) What have been a few of the constructive issues Howell did that confirmed glimpses of a potential franchise quarterback?
Howellitzer’s arm power can’t be denied. He’s additionally robust as hell, and never afraid to run the ball when wanted. Howell’s processing velocity limits his potential however in the correct offense, with an honest working sport, he will be productive.
3.) Was Washington’s inconsistent working sport a lot of a hindrance to Howell’s success?
Eric Bieniemy did Sam Howell no favors of their one, and solely, season working collectively. He gleefully hoped his mentor Andy Reid can be impressed with him calling 55 cross makes an attempt in a row…in an embarrassing loss to the Bears. Bieniemy might by no means drive himself to run the ball sufficient and didn’t use play motion with a struggling offensive line.
Bieniemy on the 55 straight passes: “Andy Reid can be happy with me. He is in all probability sitting there, ‘Yeah EB I see you. As soon as upon a time you requested for 25, 30 carries for Jamaal Charles and now you are slinging it across the park. . .
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 12, 2023
4.) Have been there any particular passing ideas the place Howell was at his finest?
Let that man throw it deep! Howell’s bought a really fairly deep ball and made some superb throws that drop within the bucket.
5.) What was your response to the commerce and the draft capital exchanged?
When Marcus Mariota was signed, the writing was on the wall. I had some hope that Howell can be retained, as a result of I view him as a plus backup, low-end starter-level participant. There’s nonetheless some debate on the precise worth of the decide swap for Washington, however the common consensus is that they bought the worth of a 4th spherical decide which is healthier than different QB trades this yr.
I appreciated Sam Howell and had hope for his future in Washington, however I perceive why the brand new regime moved on with the #2 general decide of their pocket. I’d like to see him go to Seattle and beat out Geno Smith for the beginning job, however I believe he’ll have an honest profession as a backup.
Because of Scott for answering my questions! In order for you some extra Howell content material, take a look at former Hogs Haven contributor Mark Bullock’s Substack article.
