The Washington Commanders' 9-5 record has them very much in the playoff picture. With the team's win over the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers' triumph versus the Seattle Seahawks, they remain in the seventh seed with a slender margin for error on the home stretch.
The success of this season is proof that letting several former Commanders go last off-season and at the 2023 trade deadline was the correct move. This new and improved culture has given the fanbase hope for the first time in a while. And the best part? Adam Peters is just getting started.
That's of no consequence to two ex-Washington stars who found themselves at opposite ends of the Week 15 spectrum.
Sam Howell did not step up when his number was called
Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith went down with an injury in the second half of Sunday Night Football against the Packers. Sam Howell stepped into the breach for the second time since his trade from the Commanders this offseason.
Washington disposed of Howell and the No. 102 pick in exchange for No. 78 and No. 152 in the 2024 NFL Draft. Those picks were involved in the Commanders' draft day trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, which is how Peters acquired Mike Sainristil and Ben Sinnott.
Simply put, trading Howell was a pivotal moment for the team's rebuild.
The former North Carolina standout has served as Smith's backup this season. When the veteran went down in the second half, it was Howell's chance to come in and win the game for the Seahawks.
However, he did not shine. And the Seahawks fell to the Packers to the tune of 30-13.
Howell finished the game completing five of his 14 attempts for 24 yards and an interception. He was sacked four times. He looked flustered and ran into several sacks — a problem that blighted his time under center in Washington.
Chase Young played with urgency vs. Commanders
Chase Young has not performed up to expectations throughout his career since being taken with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Commanders. A mix of injuries and poor performance is what got him traded to the San Francisco 49ers at the 2023 deadline.
The Niners decided not to bring him back. Young wasn't without a home for long, penning a deal in free agency with the Saints.
It has been another rather disappointing year for the former Ohio State Buckeye. Even so, Young was eager to make his presence felt versus his old employers in Week 15.
Young finished the game with three pressures and two sacks, disrupting Jayden Daniels on multiple occasions. He is part of the reason the Saints stayed in the game in the second half and nearly completed an upset victory.