4 major observations from Sam Howell's performance at the Falcons in Week 6

Sam Howell lost rhythm

Whatever the Washington Commanders did at the half-time break did not have the desired effect on offense. Aside from one shining moment when quarterback Sam Howell found running back Brian Robinson Jr. for a touchdown, it was pretty mundane overall despite the odd flash here and there.

Howell and the Commanders' offense lost rhythm, which was problematic and probably kept the game closer than it should have been. However, the defense stepped up in a big way - especially down the stretch - which was the help head coach Ron Rivera's been looking for en route to a more complete performance.

Things like this are always going to happen. No offense is a complete juggernaut from start to finish during games unless you're the Miami Dolphins, but Howell at least remained composed and more importantly, didn't turn over the football.

Had he given away an interception with the fine margins involved, the result may have been different. One only has to look at Desmond Ridder's carelessness on the opposite side to see that.

Expectations are obviously growing where Howell is concerned. But this is a player still learning on the job, so facing tribulations like this is only going to make him better moving forward.

And besides, it's about time the defense started living up to their billing.