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The Washington Commanders are all-in on quarterback Sam Howell for 2023 and perhaps beyond.
Shortly after Howell’s performance in the season finale against the Dallas Cowboys in January, word got out that the Commanders wouldn’t be in the market for another big-name veteran quarterback after the failed back-to-back additions of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Carson Wentz.
Part of it was Washington wanting to build around Howell on his rookie contract. New offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was brought in to get the best out of Howell and take advantage of Washington’s impressive offensive arsenal.
Coaches and teammates have been impressed with Howell. Multiple teammates liked Howell’s progression in practice as a rookie when he was made the backup quarterback after Wentz’s injury. His start against Dallas led the Commanders to want to give him a shot.
Veteran offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas is the latest to go on record in support of the young quarterback.
“I was thoroughly impressed with this guy over OTAs,” Lucas said last week in an appearance on “Good Morning Football.”
“He took great command of the offense, showed great leadership, works really hard and the guy has a helluva arm. A true gunslinger. I’m excited to see how far he takes us and see where we go.”
What does Lucas think of the NFC East?
“Don’t sleep on the ‘Manders, baby,” he said. “We got all the players, all the coaches, we finally got our front office together and hopefully, once we sell the team, the leadership and the ownership will be just right.”
Lucas would also praise Bieniemy and what he has brought to the offensive side of the ball.
You can count Lucas as another Washington player in support of Howell under center in 2023.
Why is Sam Howell the right QB for the @Commanders ?
Is Washington being overlooked in the NFC East?
We have OT Cornelius Lucas at the breakfast table! pic.twitter.com/ksS2RUcNlQ
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) June 30, 2023