4 lingering observations from the Commanders victory at Falcons in Week 6

What are some lingering observations as the page begins to turn on an impressive victory for the Washington Commanders in Week 6?

The Washington Commanders had a much-needed break to regroup and fix things before heading into Week 6 at the Atlanta Falcons. Suffering a home loss to the Chicago Bears put everyone on notice and that poor coaching coupled with suspect execution from the players was unacceptable.

With coach Ron Rivera posting a sign that read 'Do Your Job' in the days leading up to their clash with Atlanta, the question centered on how the players would respond. Especially considering they were coming up against a team that has been playing pretty well compared to their preseason projections.

The Commanders were ready to turn the page and prove they had what it takes to become a successful team. Something they managed to accomplish with a hard-fought road victory.

As the page begins to turn, here are four lingering observations from Washington's win down south.

Commanders got enough from Sam Howell

He didn't light up the stats sheet, but Sam Howell played within the game and was able to navigate the offense well. Despite a good showing, the quarterback still held the ball a little too long and took too many sacks - five on the day.

Make no mistake, Howell has improved each game - even in losing efforts. He was very impressive at the Falcons, completing 14 of 23 passes for 151 yards and three touchdowns. One of his best plays was in the third quarter - a rollout dump-off pass to Brian Robinson Jr.

Howell has propelled himself into a solid quarterback under Eric Bieniemy - something the Washington Commanders haven't had in years. Also, the former fifth-round pick has made his name into the record books with his play, reaching 1,602 passing yards - the most in franchise history from a quarterback in his first seven career starts.

The North Carolina product will have ups and downs throughout the season. But it also says a lot about this young man that he has brought stability to a position Washington has lacked consistency for years.

Commanders defense played much better

The Washington Commanders' defense needed to make a statement in this one after getting beat down by the Chicago Bears a week ago. With the benching of rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, they were able to generate three turnovers - a luxury Jack Del Rio's unit hasn't had in recent games.

In the fourth quarter, Benjamin St-Juste - who moved to the outside corner - intercepted a pass deep in the end-zone. Danny Johnson replaced Forbes and had a crucial pass breakup on fourth down.

This defense's objective coming into the season was to create more sacks and turnovers. It was mission objective on that front, but the Commanders still gave up 402 total yards and 296 passing yards to an Atlanta Falcons offense that is not exactly known for throwing the football.

The area that the Commanders showed up was the running game, allowing 106 rushing yards - conceding 3.7 per attempt. The game was physical, but when the time came to make big plays, everyone stepped up.

Three interceptions, three sacks, and a rousing effort to prevent a two-point conversion were just some examples from a much-improved afternoon at the office.

Washington's defense was good, not great, playing with more of a bend don't break mentality. With some potential injury worries heading into Week 7 at the New York Giants, it could provide another chance for the rotational guys to shine once again.

Commanders got an injection from special teams

Ever since the Washington Commanders re-signed Jamison Crowder, the special teams play has been coming around. The veteran is much better than injured Dax Milne and played a significant role in the team gaining momentum in Week 6 at the Atlanta Falcons.

Crowder returned a punt 61 yards to set up the first score for the Commanders, a play that he almost scored on himself. As funny as it may sound, he was the last Washington player to score a touchdown on a punt return in 2016 - that's how poor this area of the field has been in recent years.

If the Commanders can continue to have great special teams play, it would take a lot of pressure off. It would also give the offense a stronger field position consistently - something they've been starved of more often than not.

From the kicking standpoint, Joey Slye hasn't had the best season so far, but that is what it is at this point.

From the punting standpoint, Tress Way's also gone through complications. However, he put one inside the 20-yard line and two inside of the 10 as well. This represented a huge step in the right direction.

This production earned Way a Pro Bowl selection last year. Long may it continue.

There was no doubt that special teams were a difference maker in Sunday's game. If the Commanders' unit continues to make strides, then further positive results might not be too far behind.

Commanders got many standout performances

Usually, game balls typically go out to the offense, but this is all about the defense. This unit carried this and made some game-changing moments for the Washington Commanders to secure a pivotal victory.

As previously stated, Jack Del Rio's group gave up some yardage in the game. But they prevented the big plays that have plagued them over the last couple of contests. Getting to the quarterback helped, too.

Chase Young has been leading the team in quarterback pressures and is one of the league's best in that category. These notable players in Sunday's game were also difference-makers and deserve their flowers.

Kamren Curl, who has been the Commanders' best safety and is working on a contract extension, made his presence all over the field. He finished with 11 tackles and two passes defended, coming up with some thumping hits along the way.

Next, we have Kendall Fuller, who is also having an outstanding season so far and has taken up the slack at the cornerback position. He secured an interception when he jumped in front of a route and he should have had another one earlier in the game.

Casey Toohill replaced Montez Sweat due to an injured thumb and made the most of his opportunity, recording two sacks, one tackle for a loss, and forcing a big pressure that forced Desmond Ridder into an intentional grounding call. Not bad from limited reps, it has to be said.

Fans have been waiting for Jamin Davis to finally come into his own. He sealed the game with his first interception by diving in front of running back Bijan Robinson with two minutes left. The linebacker also recorded eight tackles, one tackle for loss, and a sack to round off an impressive display.

The Commanders' defense played more aggressively than I have seen in recent weeks. Definitely, something to build on going forward.