What were some major observations from Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell's performance at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6?
Even though the Washington Commanders were going through some turmoil heading into Week 6 at the Atlanta Falcons, quarterback Sam Howell continues to gain confidence in pursuit of becoming the team's long-term quarterback. His growth has been an undoubted bright spot through five weeks, with further improvements anticipated once the signal-caller gains additional experience.
Howell needs more help from elsewhere - especially on the defensive side - but fans are encouraged by what they've seen overall. Something the former fifth-round selection was hoping to continue versus a Falcons defense blessed with difference-makers at all three levels.
As it turned out, Howell and the Commanders did just enough to get one over on the NFC South outfit for a priceless road triumph.
With this in mind, here are four major observations from Howell's performance at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Sam Howell's one flaw
If there was one complication surrounding Sam Howell since he became the Washington Commaders' starting quarterback, it's his inability to recognize pressure quickly enough. For some reason, the signal-caller is intent on holding onto the football for too long, which is an experience issue and something that's piling unnecessary pressure on the offensive line for good measure.
Once Howell figures this out, it's all systems go. But the North Carolina product cannot continue to make life more difficult for himself - especially considering the level of punishment he's received through six weeks.
Otherwise, he might not last the season.
Sam Howell's confident first half
Second-year quarterback Sam Howell's confidence levels are increasing with every passing week. This is a player who now genuinely believes that he belongs in the pro ranks, which was once again reflected in a first-half performance of immense promise.
There were multiple occasions when Howell made clutch throws, spreading the wealth around with relative comfort. He was efficient over the middle and also made scoring opportunities count - which was the most important thing above all else.
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy once again schemed things up masterfully for Howell and the Washington Commanders' offense. Thanks to a better start, the signal-caller also had the benefit of a more balanced ethos rather than relying primarily on the pass.
Howell is starting to look like a seasoned veteran. The statistics spoke for themselves, which also saw the player's ball security catch the eye in the most positive way imaginable.
- 66.66% completion
- 109 passing yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 3 sacks against
- 119.9 passer rating (ESPN)
The Commanders were much more like their old selves, which was essential after such an embarrassing loss against the Chicago Bears. Howell led the charge as expected and even though the hits kept coming, he once again displayed the sort of resolute grit fans have come to expect from their new gunslinger.
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.
Sam Howell is coming along nicely
It wasn't pretty at times, but a strong first half gave Sam Howell and the Washington Commanders the platform they needed to end a concerning three-game losing streak. Something they can hopefully build upon during a stretch of winnable contests heading into the midseason point.
Howell is coming along nicely, there's no getting away from that. The sacks aren't ideal, but the quarterback made much better decisions and never really put the football in harm's way even when pressure arrived.
The Commanders remain in the wild card hunt, which is pleasing at this juncture. Howell deserves enormous credit for the way he's seizing this big opportunity and unless there's a drastic drop-off, can feel confident about his chances of becoming the team's No. 1 option for the foreseeable future.
There are times when things stutter. But the most important thing from Howell's standpoint is his ability to move on from one play to the next regardless of how the previous one turned out.
Howell is only going to get better, one would think. His connection with wide receiver Terry McLaurin continues to flourish and once others also begin taking chances - Dyami Brown and Jahan Dotson had two disappointing drops for big gains - the gunslinger will improve further.
There's a long way to go for Howell. But it's so far, so good through six weeks.