“I think Sam (Howell) does a terrific job leading this football team,” declared Joe Theismann.
Theismann was a guest on The Team 980 on the “Kevin Sheehan Show” Tuesday.
Theismann came to Washington for the 1974 season and instantly learned Billy Kilmer was a leader of the team and the aging Sonny Jurgensen who was playing in his last NFL season at age 40, was certainly revered enough, he was going to play, and Theismann was not.
Even after Jurgensen retired, George Allen went out and picked up veteran Randy Johnson to be the second quarterback behind Kilmer in 1975. In 1976, Theismannn was given an opportunity, starting five games and then six games in 1977, becoming the starter in 1978 and keeping the job until his horrible career-ending injury during the 1985 season.
Theismann became a very vocal leader of the Redskins up into his last season. So, he knows something about quarterback leadership.
“The quarterback position is unique when it comes to a leadership role,” declared Theismann.
NFL games are often tight, and the pressure is on your quarterback to make big plays.
Theismann asked, “Can you deliver in the moment?” The guys are looking to you; the guys are counting on you.”
Regarding Sam Howell and his 2023 performance, Theismann emphasized, “He’s one tough son-of-a-gun. He’s been sacked 41 times, I think is the number.” Actually, it’s worse; he’s been sacked 44 times through nine games.
“I’m always curious when a quarterback gets knocked down, who’s helping him up? You watch some quarterbacks when they go down; there is not one lineman there helping them up. That is all you need to know about how that team feels about that individual.”
Theismann feels the Commanders team believes in Howell. “These guys appreciate Sam; they appreciate his work ethic. I am getting a kick out of watching Sam grow.”
While Ron Rivera has repeatedly mentioned Howell’s growth and development, Theismann also knows offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is still learning about Howell as well.
“Eric is still learning what Sam can do. We are talking about nine football games. Eric is still putting together the pieces of the puzzle with Sam.”