3 areas of improvement for Commanders QB Sam Howell in Week 2 at Broncos
By Dean Jones
Sam Howell must protect the football
The Washington Commanders would have been in complete control of their Week 1 contest against the Arizona Cardinals had it not been for silly mistakes. Sam Howell found out to his cost that even the slightest error of judgment gets punished in the NFL, so protecting the football with more efficiency is absolutely imperative moving forward.
This bears more significance on the road. Something Howell has yet to experience during his professional career to date.
Mile High Stadium is notoriously loud and difficult to silence. If Howell gives away an unnecessary interception or fumble early and the Denver Broncos get ahead, the noise levels will reach exponential levels.
Howell's decision-making needs to be better. As previously stated, trusting his progressions is another big factor that could prove to be the difference between success and failure.
Eric Bieniemy will be preaching for Howell to take what the defense gives him. This is not a time for hero-type football - the Commanders must keep things relatively simple, rely on the running game, and take full advantage of red-zone opportunities when they present themselves.
If Howell and the offense can accomplish this and Washington's exceptional defense continues their fine start to the campaign, the Commanders have a chance. But should the North Carolina product cough up two turnovers as he did in Week 1, it could be a long afternoon for Ron Rivera's men.