In a commanding display during the Minnesota Vikings’ 20-10 preseason victory over Houston, Sam Howell silenced the doubters and showcased why he’s the right man to back up J.J. McCarthy. With just two possessions in Saturday’s game, Howell proved he’s not only capable but thriving in Kevin O’Connell’s intricate offensive system.
On his first drive, Howell effortlessly guided the Vikings’ offense into field-goal range, displaying the precision and poise that had been questioned in training camp. His second possession was a masterclass in quarterbacking. Starting from the Vikings’ own 6-yard line, Howell orchestrated a 14-play, 94-yard drive, culminating in a gritty 1-yard touchdown plunge. Seven first downs, including a game-high 20-yard completion to Jeshaun Jones, highlighted his ability to move the chains and make plays under pressure.
Howell’s stat line sparkled: 11-of-13 for 105 yards, with no interceptions. This was a far cry from the quarterback who had struggled with picks and rhythm during practices, where he faced Brian Flores’ relentless defense. “Perhaps Howell just needed to face something other than Flores’ diabolical schemes,” O’Connell mused post-game, admitting he hadn’t seen this version of Howell until Saturday. “I thought Sam showed what he can do. He moved the team, and I was happy with him.”
The performance wasn’t just about numbers. Howell’s command of the offense was evident in his ability to call the right protections. Center Michael Jurgens, who once faced Howell in college, praised his decisiveness: “He recognizes pressures and confidently adjusts our protection. He makes sure we big guys up front take the hit instead of the running back.” That kind of leadership is invaluable, especially for a backup quarterback who may need to step in at a moment’s notice.
Howell’s chemistry with former college teammate Ty Chandler was another highlight. Chandler, who caught three passes for 20 yards, spoke glowingly of his quarterback: “He’s just going to keep getting better. I wholeheartedly believe in him and what he can do.” Their connection helped the offense hum, a promising sign for a Vikings team looking to build depth behind McCarthy.
Contrast Howell’s performance with the rest of the quarterback room. J.J. McCarthy looked comfortable in his lone series, while former Gophers QB Max Brosmer energized the crowd, going 5-for-8 and tossing a touchdown to undrafted free agent Myles Price in the fourth quarter. The only quarterback who didn’t shine was Brett Rypien, who had recently taken some second-team snaps in practice but failed to make an impact Saturday.
Howell’s breakout game serves as a reminder: training camp struggles don’t define a player. The narrative around Howell had been grim, with practice interceptions fueling calls for the Vikings to seek a new QB2. Those alarms now seem premature. As O’Connell noted, “You kept asking yourself during practice, ‘We need to see Sam in a game.’ And he delivered great examples of what he’s capable of.”
With two preseason games remaining and joint practices with New England on the horizon, Howell has ample opportunity to solidify his role. While Saturday’s vanilla defenses weren’t the complex schemes he’ll face in the regular season, his performance was a statement. He’s adapting to O’Connell’s system, growing more comfortable daily. “It was good to get live game action,” Howell said. “I’m getting better every day.”
The Vikings’ coaching staff now has a clearer picture of Howell’s potential. There’s no need to scour the market for another backup. Howell’s poise, accuracy, and leadership against Houston showed he’s ready to step up when needed. As Chandler put it, “The best is yet to come.” For Howell and the Vikings, the future looks bright—and the QB2 debate can finally be put to rest.