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I rewatched the 2022 season finale last night. First reaction was real irritation that we were able to put together a complete and intense effort against a team like Dallas, but the week before with the playoffs on the line, didn't even show up. We can talk about it being Wentz's fault, but it went way beyond that.
We absolutely drubbed Dallas, even though we were playing our 3rd and 4th string RBs and DBs and didn't have Jon Allen in the game.
Just a few thoughts before I get to Howell. We have got to replace Joey Slye. I actually wanted us to draft a kicker last month but that didn't happen. Missing chip shot FGs and extra points is just unacceptable. A bad game once in awhile happens, but we are well beyond that at this point. I know we are ready to put Kendall Fuller off to pasture but he played out of his mind in that game. Not only did he largely shut down Lamb, but he had the sequence where he barely missed a pick 6, then on the next play, picked it off and took it to the house. I have never seen a sequence like that. Aside from Slye, our ST play in that game was amazing. One of the very few games I can remember where all 3 units shined on the same day.
Now to Howell. I don't want to take anything away from him as he really did impress at times, but I will confess that my assessment 6 months after the game is less glowing than it was right after the game, although I am still very encouraged. Of course he had the one 'can't throw that' INT in the end zone that cost us points. Not only are rookies going to make those kinds of mistakes, EVERY NFL QB makes those kinds of mistakes. He was able to bounce right back. There were 1 or 2 other throws he made that could've been picked. What I loved most about rewatching his performance was:
Final surprising thought? I really don't mind Commanders. Philosophically, I want it changed. I hate the way Jason Wright saddled us with a name very few fans supported. But rewatching that game, I realized I've more or less used to it. And I actually like the W logo more than I ever thought was possible. I don't even 'hate' the uniforms all that much. If as I expect the new owners just decide not to go there again, it's going to be okay.
We absolutely drubbed Dallas, even though we were playing our 3rd and 4th string RBs and DBs and didn't have Jon Allen in the game.
Just a few thoughts before I get to Howell. We have got to replace Joey Slye. I actually wanted us to draft a kicker last month but that didn't happen. Missing chip shot FGs and extra points is just unacceptable. A bad game once in awhile happens, but we are well beyond that at this point. I know we are ready to put Kendall Fuller off to pasture but he played out of his mind in that game. Not only did he largely shut down Lamb, but he had the sequence where he barely missed a pick 6, then on the next play, picked it off and took it to the house. I have never seen a sequence like that. Aside from Slye, our ST play in that game was amazing. One of the very few games I can remember where all 3 units shined on the same day.
Now to Howell. I don't want to take anything away from him as he really did impress at times, but I will confess that my assessment 6 months after the game is less glowing than it was right after the game, although I am still very encouraged. Of course he had the one 'can't throw that' INT in the end zone that cost us points. Not only are rookies going to make those kinds of mistakes, EVERY NFL QB makes those kinds of mistakes. He was able to bounce right back. There were 1 or 2 other throws he made that could've been picked. What I loved most about rewatching his performance was:
- Howell's calm, confidence, and moxie. You can tell that Heinicke has genuine affection for the kid, and that's likely a big part of it.
- His command of the huddle and offense in general. He did not look or act like a rookie in there.
- His instincts on when to take off and use his feet were very good and he was responsible for converting a number of 3rd downs with his feet alone.
- He did not make any impulsive or desperate errant throws to avoid being sacked - when there was nothing there, he took the sack or minimal gain or just threw it away (!) and lived to play the next play. That's something you don't often see in rookies.
- That arm! The kid not only has power, he threw some balls with pinpoint accuracy - hitting guys in stride often. He was particularly good doing that over the middle and our YAC reflected that.
- Howell threw a couple of the best deep balls we've seen in years.
Final surprising thought? I really don't mind Commanders. Philosophically, I want it changed. I hate the way Jason Wright saddled us with a name very few fans supported. But rewatching that game, I realized I've more or less used to it. And I actually like the W logo more than I ever thought was possible. I don't even 'hate' the uniforms all that much. If as I expect the new owners just decide not to go there again, it's going to be okay.
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