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WATCH: Sam Howell impresses with multiple scores in NFL preseason debut

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery•08/13/22
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(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

The NFL preseason is a thing of beauty because college football fans get to see many of their old stars step onto an NFL field in live game action for the very first time. Former North Carolina star Sam Howell shattered records for much of his college football career and on Saturday, he got his first taste of action with his new team in the National Football League–the Washington Commanders. It didn’t take him long to impress and he scored two rushing touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers.

First, let’s take a look at the 17-yard touchdown run he had. Notice the beautiful pump fake he had in the middle of the run to make the Panthers’ linebacker miss.

Then, he had another rushing touchdown right at the goal line, where he found some daylight on the right side of the line of scrimmage and rolled his way into the end zone.

The Commanders would take the lead after scoring the two-point conversion, but the Panthers would drill a game-winning field goal with 24 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to lift them to a 23-21 win.

Regardless, it was a nice showing by Sam Howell on the afternoon and it was a great opportunity for the Commanders to get their rookie signal-caller some live in-game reps.

For the game, the former Tar Heel signal-caller completed nine of 16 passes for 145 yards, while rushing for 19 yards and two scores on the ground. It’ll be interesting to see if he can climb the depth chart and push Carson Wentz for playing time at some point in the future. For now, he’s listed as the third string quarterback on the Commanders’ depth chart.

Howell ready to embrace his role on the Commanders

Heading into the 2022-2023 season, the Washington Commanders addressed their need at quarterback for now and the future. Washington traded for former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz and drafted Sam Howell in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Wentz recently spoke about his new opportunity with the Commanders and his new starting role. But how does Howell feel about going from starter to unquestioned backup? Well, in a recent interview, the Commanders rookie quarterback addressed his new role in the NFL.

“Probably the last time (I wasn’t the starter) was I played in an All-Star game when I was in seventh grade,” Howell said, according to Ethan Cadeaux of NBC Sports Washington. “The coach’s son played quarterback. I actually played defensive end. So that’s probably the only time in my life I haven’t been the starting quarterback.”

The speed at the NFL level is significantly greater than that in the college ranks. While Howell might have to sit awhile before he sees legitimate action in an NFL regular-season game, the former Tar Heel is okay with that and embracing it.

“For me, I’m just going to embrace my role,” Howell said. “Do everything I can to just try and get better each and every day. And when my name is called, I’ll be ready.”

Also ahead of Howell on the Washington depth chart is Taylor Heinicke. Last season Heinicke started in 15 games for the Commanders, after the team lost starter Ryan Fitzpatrick in the first game of the season. Heinicke went 7-8 as a starter in 2021, throwing for 3419 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.

“They’re both great guys. I’m just happy to be somewhere where there’s two really good quarterbacks in my room,” Howell said. “They’re helping me out a lot — they’ve given me a lot of good advice. They’re both really talented guys. I’m happy to be in the room with those guys and compete each and every day.”

Howell looks to have the right approach to his current situation. For some quarterbacks, not starting in year one helped save their careers, as opposed to destroying it. Either way, the Commanders rookie signal-caller is ready to fulfill his backup role this upcoming season. And if the team needs him to start this year, he will be prepared for that option, as well.

On3’s Justin Rudolph also contributed to this article.