4 major observations from Sam Howell's performance at the Patriots in Week 9

Sam Howell

Sam Howell's put together some tremendous performances this season. Unfortunately for the quarterback and the Washington Commanders, they haven't always come with a win.

That all changed in Week 9.

It wasn't perfect and the Commanders made things more difficult than needed, but Howell and his team did just enough. Something that moves them to 4-5 and relieves a little pressure from those in positions of power along the way.

This needed a collective effort to get the job done. Had it not been for Howell's accomplished distribution and ability to come through in key situations, the Commanders come out on the wrong end of this one.

Another 300-yard passing performance was one more feather in Howell's cap. Josh Harris was in attendance at Gillette Stadium to witness the victory and if reports are accurate about his belief in the signal-caller, this will have done nothing to change his mind.

There were some drives and throws Howell would like to have back. But show me a quarterback that plays flawless football for all four quarters and I'll show you a liar.

Coming away victorious was of critical importance for the Commanders given how much pressure was building behind the scenes. But regardless of which way the result went, Howell's claims to be this team's signal-caller for the foreseeable future cannot be ignored.