Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Montez Sweat, trade talk and Sam Howell

Commanders QB Sam Howell's reflection

It was another outstanding performance overall from quarterback Sam Howell. But two critical errors in the fourth quarter tipped the scales and something that condemned the Washington Commanders to their fifth loss of the 2023 campaign.

Howell threw a costly interception and also missed Terry McLaurin which would have resulted in a first down. The wide receiver had a chance to catch it, but the distribution made things more difficult than needed.

This was at the center of Howell's mind when speaking to the media after practice. Despite throwing for almost 400 yards, gaining four touchdowns, and securing a passer rating of 114.0, the signal-caller clearly regretted what happened down the stretch - something that took the shine off what turned out to be another decent effort from the former fifth-round selection out of North Carolina.

There is no room for moral victories with the Commanders at 3-5 and seemingly looking to trade off assets before the deadline. Howell is doing more than most to turn things around, but there is a lot of uncertainty elsewhere that could change expectations over the second half of 2023.

Howell benefitted from improved protection and schematic concepts that played to his strengths. The loss will sting given how close the Commanders were yet again, but the gunslinger can hold his head high despite the outcome not going Washington's way.