Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Sam Howell, Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson

Commanders QB Sam Howell's accountability

Sam Howell got a rude awakening against a high-caliber defensive unit in Week 3. This is all part of the learning experience, but the former fifth-round selection cannot have too many performances like this if he wants to become the team's long-term option under center.

Howell turned the football over frequently, lacked confidence or conviction, and couldn't overcome adversity under constant pressure playing behind a suspect offensive line. It was a bad day at the office with plenty of blame to go around, but the North Carolina product wanted to carry the can as all good leaders do based on his comments via Washington's website.

"You know, there's a lot of things, obviously it starts with me and I got to take better care of the football. Do a better job just leading my offense. Obviously a lot of things didn't go right today and it starts with me. But you know, the good thing is the sun will come up tomorrow, another opportunity to get better and go to work. We have a lot of stuff we can get better at. We're excited to go back and get better. But we have to play better and that starts with me."

- Sam Howell via Commanders.com

There were always going to be some bumps in the road given Howell's lack of experience. But what's important for the signal-caller is studying what went wrong and learning accordingly heading into the most intimidating atmosphere he'll face all season at the Philadelphia Eagles.