Sam Howell’s deep throw to Terry McLaurin was one of the best throws of NFL Week 18
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell couldn’t have asked for a better NFL debut. Additional to leading Washington to a 26-6 blowout win over the rival Dallas CowboysHowell looked great running the football and throwing the ball in the win.
Howell passed for 169 yards, with a touchdown pass and an interception. He also ran for 35 yards and another score. His first NFL pass attempt was in the NFL. 16-yarder to No. 1 wideout Terry McLaurin to give the Commanders a 7-0 lead, which they’d never relinquish.
Of Howell’s 19 pass attempts, only one was truly a questionable decision, his interception in the end zone.
What was Howell’s best throw of the day?
McLaurin’s 52-yard touchdown was the catalyst for another Washington score in halftime. You can see it here.
Next Gen Stats stated that the pass only had 20% completion probability. However, Howell’s flawless throw allowed his Pro Bowl wideouts the opportunity to take care of the rest.
Next Gen Stats has more: The 52-yard completion was 60 yards long and the longest completed via air yards by a Washington passer during the Next Gen Stats era. [2016].
Washington will head into the offseason in search of yet another quarterback, but perhaps the Commanders shouldn’t necessarily shut the door on Howell. It all depends on Ron Rivera, the head coach, who hires the next offensive coordinator.