Sam Howell talks about Taylor Heinicke’s influence during his rookie season

If it wasn’t for Taylor Heinicke, Sam Howell may not be Washington’s starting quarterback right now.

Let’s go back to January when the Cleveland Browns eliminated the Commanders in Week 17. That was the end of the brief Carson Wentz era. Washington was eliminated from the playoffs, and head coach Ron Rivera would turn back to Heinicke in the season finale against the Dallas Cowboys.

However, in the week leading up to the game, Heinicke went to Rivera and told him that Howell deserved the chance to start. We can debate Heinicke’s motives, considering he was headed for free agency and the Week 18 game was meaningless, but it was a gesture that paved the way for Howell to play well in the finale.

That performance opened Rivera’s eyes, leading him to determine that Howell would be Washington’s “QB1” throughout the offseason and into training camp. Howell certainly did his part with a strong offseason and training camp.

For Howell, he appreciates Heinicke and the relationship they built last season.

“Taylor’s the best,” Howell said Wednesday. “Just being here with Taylor and just getting to learn from him. Obviously, last year was crazy with how everything kind of went down. Just seeing how he is as a person on a daily basis, he’s such a good teammate, such a good guy, and everybody loves him.”

Heinicke, of course, departed the Commanders in the offseason, signing a two-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons — Washington’s opponent this week. Interestingly enough, Heinicke signed with the Falcons to be their backup and mentor another second-year quarterback, Desmond Ridder.

Washington wanted to retain Heinicke last offseason but at a specific price. Atlanta, Heinicke’s hometown team, offered him more, and that’s where he landed. Heinicke always said he didn’t mind being a backup quarterback.

Once Heinicke landed in Atlanta, the Commanders pivoted to Jacoby Brissett, arguably the best free-agent quarterback on the open market.

While Heinicke may no longer be with the Commanders, he’s still beloved by Howell, numerous other former teammates and fans.

“He was just always someone that was so willing to help me learn,” Howell said. “It was definitely a fun time, and he’s a great dude. We still talk every now and then, so it’ll be fun to see him before the game.”

The Commanders look to snap a three-game skid against the Falcons on Sunday.

Story originally appeared on Commanders Wire