5 winners and losers from the Commanders heartbreaking loss at Eagles in Week 4

Winner No. 2

Sam Howell - Commanders QB

All eyes were on quarterback Sam Howell to see if he could respond in the face of adversity for the first time in his professional career. The Washington Commanders overall laid a complete dud against the Buffalo Bills, but questions were raised about the signal-caller's ability to see the field and ability to protect the football.

Thankfully, Howell answered these concerns emphatically at the Philadelphia Eagles. The former fifth-round selection put together a masterful performance in a hostile environment, demonstrating all the necessary qualities the Commanders were looking for when they gave him a chance to be their franchise presence under center.

Howell's accuracy was first-class at all three levels. He recognized pressure more effectively, got the football out quicker within a more beneficial scheme, and had the nous to get rid of the ball when things weren't developing as anticipated.

Perhaps more significant was Howell's ability to come through in the clutch. His poise over the final drive during regulation was exemplary and had Terry McLaurin's overtime catch not been waved off, another fairytale story could have emerged rather than a gut-wrenching loss.

The North Carolina product said after the game that the result is all that matters. Once Howell calms down and reflects, he can take a great deal from not only this performance but his first four games of the campaign overall.