After Howell's season last year we should sit him for most of this year and put him in for mop-up duty when we're way ahead towards the end of a game. With the starting OL still in. We need to let him get over his PTSD that he undoubtedly got last year... Then have a legit QB competition next preseason. Let's not forget that for us he's only been a preseason star, and that's against 2s and worse. He *does* have a nice long ball, I'll give him that!
I think comparing Howell's last season and him being on this team is like comparing apples to oranges, with no disrespect intended to Geno or anyone's else's opinion of both Geno and Howell. Howell was faced with a lot of pressure placed on him last season and forced to deal with a less then competent oline, lack of schemes and questionable coaching. He was in a situation where he was forced to make a large considerable amount of throws, which with any QB would have a high amount of interceptions, regardless of who that QB would be. He was held accountable for a team with a lot of deficiencies and judged hence forth. John saw something in him and brought him on for a reason. Yes, Howell didn't have the best training camp this summer, but his preseason games of been very efficient overall, figuring he's not playing with the 1st string quality players.
Put him in the spotlight, give him a DK, Njigba, Locket, Walker, etc... and an oline and better coaching staff which are by far much talented than what the Commanders were displaying last season. With Howells arm, accuracy and what not, I think we see Howell step up and show us a possible top 10 quality QB and even eventually a top 5. I don't claim to be an XO expert and I don't claim to have any solidified evidence to what is strictly my opinion here. This is just a Seahawk fan perspective of what could be eventually.
I think, no I believe that Howell has the talent, the arm strength, accuracy and mobility to be an early type Russell type player we saw when he first started, perhaps even better, and taller. We saw glimpses of his potential during the preseason games, small examples but he kept poised and moved the ball.
No disrespect to Geno, but if Geno is seeing what I think is possible with Howell,what the coaches are seeing as well, I too would asking for a renewal of my contract in the hopes of getting the financial security in what might not become another opportunity down the road.
I've seen what Geno can do, I've appreciated what Geno has done, he didn't write back and that saids a lot about a player. Geno balled out, gave it his best and we as Seahawk fans are forever grateful for his effort, BUT what if Howell can take us to the next level. Realistically, age is a factor for Geno, signs of whether his body can hold up are things to think about. Do we want to extend Geno for a few more seasons and end up paying for something which might have a higher cost than it's worth? Howell is both young and with an untapped potential which I for one is excited to see on what may eventually be one day. Nothings guaranteed I know, but I don't think we invested and rolled the dice with Mike and all these new coaches to risk the future on an aging quarterback, I just don't see it.