Commanders' Ron Rivera: QB Sam Howell did 'exactly what we were expecting' against Ravens

Officially named the starter last week, Sam Howell took control of the Washington Commanders' offense in Monday night's 29-28 preseason victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Needing live reps after playing just one game his rookie season, Howell played the entire first half and looked sharp, completing 19 of 25 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns as Washington entered the half with a 17-14 lead.

"I thought Sam did exactly what we were expecting him to do," coach Ron Rivera said, via the team's transcript. "He went out, executed, took control of the offense, took control of the huddle, and did a good job at the line of scrimmage. There are a couple things I know that he does want to have back, but I thought he executed and handled the situation, circumstances the way he needed to."

Howell boasts a good arm, solid accuracy, poise in the pocket and athletic ability to escape pressure. Monday night, he displayed an uncanny ability to wiggle out of sacks, keep his eyes downfield and make plays. Washington has to love the young pigskin-slinger's aggressive mentality.

"I think I've grown a lot," Howell said. "I'm way more comfortable in the offense and just getting these two experiences with EB (offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy). It's our first time going through a game together, and think getting the two-minute drill experience tonight was critical for us. There's definitely a lot of good that can come out of this. I'm pleased with how it went."

Howell had a few rough reps -- like all green QBs -- including taking a couple of sacks. However, as he has all offseason, he immediately bounced back from those bad plays. On Washington's opening drive, he took a bad sack, turning a second-and-2 into a third-and-15 when he should have