4 major observations from Sam Howell's performance at the Seahawks in Week 10
By Dean Jones
Sam Howell's methodical first half
It was a methodical first half for Sam Howell. There weren't many opportunities to take shots downfield, which was thanks to some smothering coverage from two exceptional cornerbacks and the rainy conditions, forcing the signal-caller into short-to-intermediate throws in pursuit of moving the chains.
The Washington Commanders once again couldn't - or wouldn't - get anything going in the run game. This put the onus squarely on Howell, who did a nice job of finding the check-down and getting the football out quickly when pressure arrived.
This wasn't the highlight-reel production we've come to expect from Howell. However, the statistics are reflective of Washington's quarterback taking what the defense gave him and keeping mistakes to a minimum.
- 71.42 percent completion (15/21)
- 133 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
- 0 interceptions
- 1 sack against
- 103.9 passer rating (ESPN)
It was a pretty tight first half between two teams that looked evenly matched. Howell did a good job of going toe-to-toe with Geno Smith, coping well with a deafening noise coming from the stands, and more importantly, keeping his eyes downfield at all times.
If it wasn't there at the first or second read, Howell was looking for any completion. That was the smart approach early on, which gave the Commanders a fighting chance tied up 9-9 at the half-time break.