I wish I shared your optimism about Howell. The likelihood he goes from well below average to well above average is probably less than 5%.
A couple of factors that I hope attributed to his rough start:
Wash had a bad O-line. The organization ranks high on the “shit show” scale. May change with new management and owner.
Their O-coordinator had a rookie attempt the most passes in the league.
He threw for almost 4000 yards with 21 TDs and an equal amount of INTs. The physical ability IS there. Thats difficult if it’s not (at least, at this level). No doubt he needs lots and lots of work on decision making.
Factor 3: Drake Maye went 3rd. While I’m hesitant to predict who is going to be the next CJ Stroud, Maye went before Penix. Dice roll when selecting QBs right? Compare Maye’s college stats to Howell’s. Not bad!!
Now final ‘test’…without using Google or any other search engine, name more than one Washington receiver. Can you do it? If so, you’re better than me. I only knew of one because he went to my favorite college team..OSU.
I DO understand the hesitation with Howell. You may be spot on War. We simply don’t know yet.
This is undoubtedly a “glass half full” perspective. Filled with a lot of hope….
Reality may be different.