What were some major observations from Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell's performance at the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4?
After stinking up FedEx Field against the Buffalo Bills, quarterback Sam Howell got the chance to redeem himself with a better performance against high-caliber opposition on the road. The Washington Commanders weren't fancied by many to get one over on the Philadelphia Eagles, but that was also the case in 2022 and we all know how that one turned out.
Howell spoke well about his failings throughout this week and seemed confident enough that the same mistakes wouldn't happen again. However, the Commanders were embarking on a completely different environment versus a defensive front that's taken no prisoners throughout Philadelphia's three-game unbeaten run to begin the campaign.
As it turned out, the Commanders and Howell suffered a heartbreaking loss against their fierce rival despite a much-improved display.
With that in mind, here are four major observations from Howell's performance at Lincoln Financial Field.
Sam Howell's impressive start
If there were any nerves from Sam Howell, he didn't show them early on. The Washington Commanders put together an outstanding first drive that eventually resulted in wide receiver Curtis Samuel going in from close range, which was exactly what the team and its signal-caller needed after such a torrid outing against the Buffalo Bills.
Howell looked assured in the pocket, connected on two tremendous balls with Terry McLaurin, and benefitted significantly from a balanced attack with eight runs and six passes. He followed this up with another second-drive score, which alleviated any concerns about how the signal-caller could respond in the face of adversity for the first time in his pro career.
Sam Howell's poise
As previously stated, Lincoln Financial Field is one of the most intimidating places to play football. And considering the struggles Sam Howell went through during his previous outing, the jury was still out to whether or not he'd cope.
Thankfully for the player and the Washington Commanders, Howell is a calm, cool figure both on and off the field. He has the ability to move from one play to the next quickly no matter how it unfolds, which was a trait he desperately needed to trigger in this one.
Howell looked poised for the most part, which was encouraging. Of course, some plays went better than others, but the fact he held firm in the face of intense pressure should be proof positive of his credentials to potentially evolve into a franchise player at the position.
The offensive scheme seemed a lot more balanced, which helped. Howell also looked like he was seeing the field more effectively than the previous week, which represents a sign of growth going up against a defensive unit that's widely regarded as one of the league's most prolific.
It wasn't perfect - nobody expects it to be at this stage in only Howell's fifth career start. But this was much more like it in terms of poise, clock management, and taking what the defense gave him.
Sam Howell is clutch
When the Washington Commanders needed Sam Howell to step up and make a play at the Philadelphia Eagles, he delivered more often than not. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy relied heavily on the run for good or bad in the face of an outstanding defensive front, but the signal-caller was nothing short of sensational throughout.
This was magnified in crunch time late in the contest. The Commanders needed a touchdown to tie on their last possession, which was a pressure-cooker situation that brought the best out of Howell in no uncertain terms.
The gunslinger made some outstanding throws, displayed a level of composure more in keeping with someone who has ice in their veins and came through at literally the last second with a phenomenal touchdown throw to wide receiver Jahan Dotson.
It's been a long time since the Commanders had someone with the clutch gene under center. Howell has all the intangibles needed to fit into this category and it's the third time in four games he's put these talents on show for the entire NFL community to see.
The Commanders have a quarterback they can believe in once again. Howell has the clutch traits needed to turn close games into wins - even if the player and Washington fell agonizingly short of meeting this specific target after a cruel overtime reverse.
Sam Howell shouldn't be disheartened
The Washington Commanders might have been on the wrong end of their second-straight loss. But this one had a different feeling to Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills.
First of all, the Commanders were in this one right until the end. Sam Howell went toe-to-toe with the defending NFC conference champions and had it not been for a fine-margins reception that wasn't to Terry McLaurin in overtime, the result could have been much different.
Of course, the result is all that matters and the Commanders are now sitting a 2-2. However, Howell can look back at this game with an enormous sense of pride as he continues to establish himself as the potential difference maker under center for the Commanders long-term.
Howell and the Commanders have some winnable upcoming games on the schedule. He won't be facing anything like the Bills or Philadelphia Eagles much throughout the campaign, so all signs point to genuine progression if the signal-caller keeps up this level of performance.
Losing in overtime is always rough. But with 290 passing yards, no turnovers, and an impressive 98.6 passer rating, Howell can acknowledge his Week 4 accomplishments with a sense of pride heading into their Thursday Night Football encounter versus the Chicago Bears.
And anyone who doesn't like what they've seen from Howell over his full body of work through four games is pushing their own agenda.
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