Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Sam Howell, Deonte Banks and Magic Johnson
By Dean Jones
Commanders QB Sam Howell's regret
After so much genuine growth in recent weeks, Sunday's game against the New York York Giants represented a step back for Sam Howell. The quarterback didn't look comfortable in the face of defensive coordinator Wink Martindale's blitz-happy scheme once again, which caused untold complications at the line of scrimmage throughout and led to countless errors.
Howell's improved decision-making deserted him in Week 11. He was nervy and erratic in the pocket, throwing three interceptions as the Washington Commanders turned the football over six times in total.
That was the difference, and it was completely unacceptable given how heavily the Commanders were favored. Something Howell acknowledged by taking full accountability during his post-game comments via Washington's website.
"When you turn over the ball that many times, you're not gonna win games. That starts with me. I gotta do a better job of taking care of the football."
- Sam Howell via Commanders.com
Playoff hopes have now been extinguished. But there is no time for Howell to wallow in self-pity as he looks to respond accordingly with the national NFL audience watching on Thanksgiving Day at the Dallas Cowboys.
Mistakes will happen and Howell is still learning the ropes. How he bounces back this Thursday will tell us plenty about the North Carolina product's resolve in the face of severe adversity.