Why did 2023 passing yards leader sit on bench last yr?

Through the primary 10 weeks of the 2023-24 NFL season, who leads the league in passing yards?

Patrick Mahomes? Nope.

Tua Tagovailoa? Guess once more.

Sorry, you are out of time. Believe it or not, with 2,783 passing yards, Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell sits atop the leaderboard.

This is kind of Howell’s rookie season. After being chosen within the fifth spherical of the 2022 draft, he did not see the sector last yr till Washington’s meaningless season finale. Although he turned in a pedestrian efficiency — 169 passing yards, a landing cross and an interception — the Commanders upset the Dallas Cowboys. This recreation did not do something to show that Howell ought to be the beginning quarterback of the longer term, and coming into this season, Washington was thought of a front-runner to draft USC QB Caleb Williams in 2024.

Instead, Howell has exceeded expectations together with his league-leading passing yards. He’s additionally thrown 17 touchdowns — third most within the NFL — and whereas he has thrown 9 interceptions, turnovers aren’t as a lot of a problem for him as they’re for different QBs.

Given Howell’s success this season, it begs the query of head coach Ron Rivera: Why was Howell on the bench for 17 of Washington’s 18 video games last yr, not even seeing rubbish time earlier than Week 18?

Instead, Rivera went with a platoon of Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke. Washington was 7-5 by way of 12 video games last season and in agency rivalry for a wild-card spot, however its success was extra attributed to its protection. This was evident in a number of the Commanders’ remaining scores in video games they gained: 12-7. 17-16. 19-13. Only as soon as did Washington rating 30 factors last season. Howell’s offense has already scored 30 factors 3 times this yr.

Most infamously, Rivera began Wentz in a Week 17 recreation in opposition to Cleveland last yr with Washington’s playoff hopes within the stability. Wentz threw three interceptions in a 24-10 loss. Rivera was evidently unaware that the Commanders might be eradicated from playoff rivalry that day with a loss and a Green Bay win. Sure sufficient, the Packers beat Minnesota. Washington was out. This was all information to Rivera: