Move over, Tua Tagovailoa – there’s a new NFL leader in passing yards.

Is it Patrick Mahomes? No. Josh Allen? No. Dak Prescott, who’s been on a tear recently? Also no.

The current NFL passing yardage leader is none other than former UNC standout Sam Howell, a young man in his first full year as the Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback.

When Washington decided to move on from former second overall pick Carson Wentz in the offseason, it was left with two choices at quarterback – proven veteran Jacoby Brissett, or the second-year gunslinger who holds 27 school records at Carolina.

The Commanders chose Howell, which made many fans questions head coach Ron Rivera’s decision at first, but also proved to pay off in the long run.

Howell is currently leading the NFL with 2,783 passing yards and 264 completions. He’s currently 157 yards ahead of MVP contender C.J. Stroud, plus 31 completions ahead of Joe Cool (Burrow).

Just yesterday in a near-upset of the Seattle Seahawks, Howell threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns, including one to former UNC teammate Dyami Brown that set up the game-tying, fourth-quarter extra point.

With such strong quarterback play, it’s surprising Washington isn’t holding onto a playoff spot right now. The Commanders are two whole games behind the red-hot Minnesota Vikings, who are being led by another young QB in former Tennessee standout Josh Dobbs.

This is no longer the NFL with veteran, Hall of Fame-caliber quarterbacks.

It’s the NFL with a new patch of stars like Howell.

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Story originally appeared on Tarheels Wire