Commanders News: Sam Howell, Kamren Curl, Montez Sweat and Week 9

Positivity around Commanders QB Sam Howell

Aside from a couple of late errors in judgment, Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles was another positive outing for quarterback Sam Howell. The former fifth-round selection threw for almost 400 passing yards and four touchdowns versus a top-level defensive unit, although it was tainted somewhat by a critical late interception at the worst possible time.

Howell looked more comfortable in the pocket behind an improved offensive line. The North Carolina product made some big-time throws and continues to look like he genuinely belongs as the Washington Commanders' long-term option under center.

When discussing Howell's performance, head coach Ron Rivera has a positive outlook regarding his future based on comments via Washington's website. However, he also acknowledged that the staff must do a better job of ensuring everything and everyone around the signal-caller is producing to a similar standard.

"His command out there was really good. He checked a couple times, made some good decisions on those as well and did a really good job of getting the ball out of his hands on those decisions as well. I think when you start seeing the production that he's having, it's now time for us to go out and do the things that we're capable of, and I think we're more than capable of. But again, we haven't shown it. That's something that we as coaches have got to make sure we're giving these guys every opportunity to be successful."

- Ron Rivera via Commanders.com

Rivera is under increasing strain regarding his job prospects. But regardless of which way it goes, the Commanders at least have a quarterback capable of putting up significant numbers if given enough time to go through his progressions.