UNC Football: Sam Howell performs well in Preseason Opener

Former UNC Football quarterback Sam Howell received the start in the NFL Preseason Opener for the Washington Commanders and performed well.

Former UNC Football quarterback Sam Howell was possibly the best quarterback to come through the program’s history at the time (Drake Maye anyone?). Howell set several records during his time in Chapel Hill and led the Tar Heels to an Orange Bowl his sophomore season.

He departed after his junior season for the NFL Draft where he was drafted in the fifth round by the Washington Commanders. During his rookie season, Howell didn’t see much playing time until the end of the season in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Now heading into the 2023 season, it is expected that Howell is the favorite to start for the Commanders, but he will still have to earn that role throughout the preseason over backup Jacoby Brissett. On Friday night, Howell took a step towards earning that starting spot by playing well against the Cleveland Browns.

Howell saw game action on the first three drives of the game and was 9-12 passing for 77 yards and a beautiful touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson.

That was all for Howell in the Commanders’ first game of the NFL Preseason, which Washington won 17-15 against the Browns. The next time that Howell will see the field will be on Monday, August 21 when the Commanders take on the Baltimore Ravens on ESPN.

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