Is Sam Howell’s strong Seahawks debut enough to get him starting job?

Former UNC quarterback Sam Howell , who holds nearly 30 school records, experienced an up-and-down 2023 in his first season as the Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback.

Howell’s highs included a pair of nearly 400-yard passing games in losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears , while lows included a 4-interception performance in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills.

Washington is still a ways from competing and, seeing that Howell wasn’t its answer as franchise quarterback, the Commanders traded him to the Seattle Seahawks . Washington went right back to the drawing board, taking former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels second overall in this year’s NFL Draft.

In Seattle, Howell is competing at QB with incumbent starter Geno Smith and longtime journeyman backup P.J. Walker.

If Howell’s NFL Preseason debut for the Seahawks is any indication of him getting starting reps in September, when the regular season rolls around, there’s a good chance he starts.

In Seattle’s 16-3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, Aug. 10, Howell completed 16-of-27 passes for 130 yards and one touchdown.

Howell looked every bit of a starting quarterback. Check out some of his game highlights below:

If you remember Howell’s time as a Tar Heel , he holds the school records for passing yards and passing touchdowns. He was ACC Rookie of the Year in 2019, the last season North Carolina won a bowl game.

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