UNC Football: Sam Howell shines in preseason debut

As he looks to work up the Washington Commanders’ depth chart, former UNC football standout Sam Howell had a very impressive NFL preseason debut.

The NFL preseason is a great opportunity for young players to showcase their skills in an actual game setting.

This holds true for players selected in the NFL Draft, as these athletes still want to prove that their respective organizations made the right decision by drafting them.

After Saturday’s preseason action, it’s safe to say that former UNC football standout Sam Howell made a great first impression.

With the Commanders trailing 20-6 in the fourth quarter, Howell sparked the offense with two impressive touchdown drives. Both scores came courtesy of Howell’s legs, as the former Tar Heel rushed for two scores to give Washington the lead.

The first touchdown (as seen above) should give UNC football fans flashbacks of the previous three seasons. Howell surveyed the field, noticed his options to throw the ball were covered, and decided to tuck the football and showcase his ability to run the ball, ending with a 17-yard score.

Before we get to his second rushing touchdown, Howell did, in fact, throw the football as well! The rookie quarterback completed 9 of his 16 passes for a game-high 145 yards, including this important 40-yard pass to Alex Erickson on a third and long situation.

Howell’s second score occurred a few plays later, as a simple quarterback sneak got the job done.

Playing for the lead, Howell and the Commanders would go for two in an attempt to take the lead. The conversion was successful, as Howell connected with Erickson once again to put his team ahead.

Unfortunately, the Commanders couldn’t hold on to the lead, but it still shouldn’t take away from Howell’s impressive preseason debut. Of course, there’s still a lot for the former UNC football standout to learn, but if he keeps playing as he did on Saturday afternoon, it won’t be long before we’ll be watching him take meaningful snaps on Sundays for the Commanders.

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