Howell's problems stemmed from his propensity for hero ball, as the former fifth-round pick's 21 interceptions led the NFL by three points. Strangely, the hiccups happened much later in the game, rather than early on when he was getting used to the speed of the game. In the first 10 games of the season, he had just one game with multiple INTs — though that only game was his biggest flop, an embarrassing 4 INTs against the Bills in Week 3. Howell had interceptions in his final seven games. Four of those games involved two or more picks.
His ouster derailed a once-promising and declarative campaign.
“We've got to do a better job intercepting,” Howell said. “There were times when I was behind in some games, but I just tried to be a little bit more aggressive and sometimes I just tried to give myself a little bit too much of a chance. “I've got to play smarter soccer, I've got to play winning soccer. And sometimes I've done that, but I've just got to do it at a more consistent pace. And I've learned that I can do that. I'm confident in my ability. It's just a question of whether we can win.''We have a chance, we have to go out and show. ”
Regardless of how this year went, Howell is getting a fresh start on the other side and understanding where he went wrong in his first challenge as an NFL starter.
He is only 23 years old and has plenty of room to grow. The QB threw for 3,946 yards just shy of 4,000 yards, and his penchant for gutsy running led to 263 yards and five scores on the ground.
His pocket presence needs improvement, along with his ball security, but many of his poor throws are due to the Commanders offense allowing 65 sacks, tied for second in the league, all of which were taken by Howell. There is also a reason for this. – Most for an individual QB.
A chance to develop from the sideline in Seattle could alleviate some of Howell's shortcomings. That's what the Seahawks are hoping for as they join a quarterback carousel where struggling former stars like Mac Jones, Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder and Justin Fields have found new homes. is.
For now, he plans to ride with Smith. Even if he misses time, both Seattle and Howell are hopeful the young reserve will return.
