Could Drake Maye replace Sam Howell in Washington?
One of the greatest quarterbacks to come out of the UNC football program is Sam Howell, the second-year NFL quarterback who holds 27 school records.
Former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera gave Howell a vote of confidence before the regular season kicked off, naming him the starter over proven NFL journeyman Jacoby Brissett. This was a move that shocked several people – yes, Howell played extremely well at UNC, but only had a Week 18 win against the Dallas Cowboys under his belt.
Howell started off “Sophomore Year” really well, at one point leading the NFL in passing yards. He had Washington at 3-3 in a tough NFC East, one which will see the Cowboys and Phildelphia Eagles represent in the NFL Postseason.
Then Howell fell into a super-rough stretch to end the year, with an interception in each of his final seven appearances. Four of those seven games saw Howell toss multiple picks.
According to ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Jordan Reid and his latest Mock Draft, another former Tar Heel could be taking the reigns from Howell.
Drake Maye? You read that right.
A homegrown Carolina kid, just like Howell, Maye had the Tar Heels off to a 6-0 start this year. UNC was ranked 10th at one point, putting itself on the fringe of College Football Playoff contention, ahead of 2024 CFP team and college football mainstay Alabama.
Maye finished his redshirt Sophomore campaign with 3,608 passing yards (12th in the FBS), 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He threw for 400 yards twice – in wins against Minnesota and Syracuse.
Not only does Maye have a cannon for an arm, he has a speedy set of legs. Maye ran for a career-high 698 yards last year, leading the Tar Heels in rushing yards, then a career-high nine touchdowns on the ground this season.
I’m not saying Maye should replace Howell, but it could be good for both of them to be on the same team again.
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