Commanders key numbers: Bounce back effort falls just short at the Eagles

What were the key numbers that played a significant role in the Washington Commanders' encouraging overtime loss at the Philadelphia Eagles?

Ultimately, they did take a loss, but the Washngton Commanders proved to the fans, and more importantly, themselves, that they have the ability to bounce back. They have the ability to take one to the chin, fall flat on their faces, as they did against the Buffalo Bills, and get back up ready to fight while giving themselves a chance to win.

After throwing four interceptions against the Bills, Sam Howell played lights out, making clutch throw after clutch throw. Yes, he still made some mistakes, but the poise he showed in the two-minute drill, tying the game with no time left in regulation, is something we haven't seen a quarterback do for Washington in quite some time.

To go from losing by 30-plus to taking it to the Philadelphia Eagles' throats all game shows progress. Being the first team to score against such a formidable defense in the first quarter shows growth. Taking a lead into half-time for the first time in 2023 shows potential.

And yes, none of this changes the standings. And, yes, moral victories aren't something that gets you into the playoffs. But, you know what they do achieve?

They reignite a fanbase. They show the team's resilience and ability to bounce back. They provide a glimpse of what the Commanders have the potential to become.

Myself, along with countless others, have said this time and time again. But this time, it feels different.

Could Howell be the answer? Could a more run-balanced approach be the formula for success?

At 2-2, the season is still young, and as Eric Bieniemy continues to mold the offense to the players' strengths, this team has the potential to surprise. Let's get to the key numbers from Week 4's loss to the Eagles.

The Good: Commanders QB Sam Howell bounces back

5: Sam Howell hit five different receivers on the last drive of regulation, leading a 10-play, 64-yard drive capped off by a 10-yard completion to Jahan Dotson in the end zone as time expired. He completed 66 percent of his passes on the last drive of regulation, and finished the game with 290 passing yards, 40 rushing yards, a touchdown, and no turnovers.

To put his play in perspective; in Jalen Hurts' first start of his career against the Washington Commanders, he went 7-for-20 for 72 passing yards, one interception, and two rushing touchdowns in a loss.

107: The Philadelphia Eagles came into the game with the top run defense, holding opponent's to 48.3 yards per game. The Commanders were able to finish with 107 rushing yards behind a much-more balanced offensive approach.

Brian Robinson Jr. led all Commanders' rushers with 45 yards and a touchdown. He came up five yards short of 50, ending the NFL's longest active streak of consecutive games with 50-plus rushing yards (10). It was also the first time Washington has lost when he scored a touchdown.

4: The defense held D'Andre Swift to four yards per carry after he came in averaging a hair under seven over his last two games. He finished with 56 rushing yards, after going for a combined 305 the previous two weeks.

0: The Eagles came into the game as the only team to force multiple turnovers in each of their first three games. The Commanders came in with a -3 turnover differential, but were able to avoid any turnovers against Philadelphia. Robinson did fumble in the end zone, but it was recovered by Terry McLaurin for a touchdown.

47: The Commanders came into the game with the second-worst third-down conversion percentage at 25.81 percent, ahead of only the New York Jets. They finished the game, 8-for-17, converting on 47% of their third-downs, including going 4-for-5 on the two drives that tied the game at 24 and 31.

The Bad: Commanders defense continues to struggle

47.6: The Washington Commanders cornerbacks were torched throughout the game, giving up explosive plays of 28, 28, 37, and 59 yards. Those four-plays - two of which were touchdowns given up by rookie Emmanuel Forbes - accounted for 47.6 percent of Jalen Hurts' passing yards.

23: The Commanders' offense struggled in the third quarter, gaining only 23 total yards on 10 plays across their two drives. The Philadelphia Eagles took advantage and were able to add 14 points across their three third-quarter drives - the last drive overlapped into the beginning of the fourth quarter.

0: Over the last two games, Tress Way has 0 punts inside the 20. Last year, he averaged 44.6 percent of his punts inside the 20, ranked No. 7 in the NFL.

So far this season, he is only getting 29.4 percent of his punts inside the 20. When the Commanders needed a good punt the most, after struggling on their first drive of overtime, Way's effort only traveled 29 yards to the Philadelphia 41, setting the Eagles up with premium field position.

With a quick turnaround before Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears, the team needs to have a short-term memory regarding Sunday's loss. With three winnable games upcoming that also include the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants, the team has time to make necessary adjustments before its rematch against the Eagles.