5 Qs and 5 As with Hogs Haven on new Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell

The Seattle Seahawks didn’t take lengthy to exchange Drew Lock on the quarterback depth chart. Former Washington Commanders starter Sam Howell was acquired by Seattle through commerce, with the Seahawks sending a 2024 third- and fifth-round decide to Washington in change for Howell, in addition to 2024 fourth- and sixth-round alternatives.

Howell was drafted by the Commanders within the fifth spherical again in 2022, however solely performed one recreation as a rookie. He began each recreation of the 2023 season, throwing 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions whereas throwing over 600 passes on one of many league’s worst groups. Howell is simply 23 years outdated, youthful than Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr as John Schneider famous, so there’s perception that in a greater atmosphere he might be able to succeed. For now, Howell can be Geno Smith’s backup.

In a particular version of 5 Qs and 5 As, I acquired the possibility to ask Hogs Haven managing editor Scott Jennings about what he considered Howell’s time in Washington, plus his ideas on the commerce. Get pleasure from!

1.) Howell took a ridiculously excessive variety of sacks (65) and led the NFL with 21 interceptions. How a lot of that was because of the efficiency of the offensive line, and the way a lot of it was Howell making dangerous selections with the ball whatever the stress in his face?

Howell’s sack issues early within the season have been a mixture of the offensive line, Eric Bieniemy’s play calling, and Howell attempt to make performs occur. He held the ball too lengthy, and the teaching employees pounded it in to him to get the ball out sooner because the season progressed. Howell’s sack numbers went down, and his interceptions began going up as he compelled the ball out sooner, whether or not the play was there or not.

2.) What have been among the constructive issues Howell did that confirmed glimpses of a potential franchise quarterback?

Howellitzer’s arm energy can’t be denied. He’s additionally powerful as hell, and never afraid to run the ball when wanted. Howell’s processing pace limits his potential however in the proper offense, with a good working recreation, he might be productive.

3.) Was Washington’s inconsistent working recreation a lot of a hindrance to Howell’s success?

Eric Bieniemy did Sam Howell no favors of their one, and solely, season working collectively. He gleefully hoped his mentor Andy Reid could be impressed with him calling 55 go makes an attempt in a row…in an embarrassing loss to the Bears. Bieniemy may by no means pressure himself to run the ball sufficient and didn’t use play motion with a struggling offensive line.

4.) Have been there any particular passing ideas the place Howell was at his greatest?

Let that man throw it deep! Howell’s acquired a really fairly deep ball and made some superb throws that drop within the bucket.

5.) What was your response to the commerce and the draft capital exchanged?

When Marcus Mariota was signed, the writing was on the wall. I had some hope that Howell could be retained, as a result of I view him as a plus backup, low-end starter-level participant. There’s nonetheless some debate on the precise worth of the decide swap for Washington, however the normal consensus is that they acquired the worth of a 4th spherical decide which is healthier than different QB trades this yr.

I preferred Sam Howell and had hope for his future in Washington, however I perceive why the brand new regime moved on with the #2 general decide of their pocket. I’d like to see him go to Seattle and beat out Geno Smith for the beginning job, however I believe he’ll have a good profession as a backup.

Because of Scott for answering my questions! In order for you some extra Howell content material, take a look at former Hogs Haven contributor Mark Bullock’s Substack article.