Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines after their heartbreaking overtime loss at the Philadelphia Eagles?
As losses go, this was a tough one to take.
The Washington Commanders pushed the defending NFC Conference champion Philadelphia Eagles all the way, taking them to overtime before falling agonizingly short. While disappointing, there were plenty of positives to take from the clash with an immediate chance to get back into the win column upcoming on Thursday Night Football.
Until then, the stories causing conversation include Sam Howell being lauded, Ron Rivera's tough decision, Darius Slay predicting big things from the Commanders quarterback, and Week 5 early odds against the Chicago Bears.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders vs. Bears early odds for Week 5
According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Washington Commanders are 6.0-point favorites against the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football versus the Chicago Bears. This can be wagered at -110 whichever side of the points spread you fancy (bet $110 to win $100).
Anyone wishing to bet Washington on the money line will need deep pockets to get a decent return with odds of -270 (bet $270 to win $100). The Bears are obvious underdogs given their winless start to the campaign at +220 (bet $100 to win $220).
FanDuel Sportsbook has set the over/under at 44.5 points. Again, this can be wagered with odds of -110 in both directions.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Darius Slay praises Commanders QB
Sam Howell bounced back in the best possible way at the Philadelphia Eagles. Many wondered whether such a hostile atmosphere would be his undoing after such a lackluster showing in Week 3. Still, the signal-caller proved once again why he could be the Washington Commanders' starting quarterback long into the future.
Howell didn't get the victory, but his clutch throws down the stretch and overall poise throughout the game were exceptional. There are no moral victories in the NFL, but this one was pretty close for the player and the Commanders.
The former fifth-round selection also got the attention of All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay, who predicted a big future for Howell after what he saw at Lincoln Financial Field based on comments via Nick Jhabvala from the Washington Post.
"He was great, man. They got a good future with him, man. He gotta keep working, but great game by him, for sure, by extending plays. He made a lot of big plays."Darius Slay via X/Twitter
This is high praise indeed from one of the league's most prolific cornerbacks. It might not mean all that much to Howell, but Slay's statement is proof positive that the league is starting to look at the North Carolina product a little differently with just five career starts under his belt.
Long may it continue.
Commanders HC Ron Rivera's tough decision
Ron Rivera had a big decision to make at the end of regulation in Week 4. After wide receiver Jahan Dotson's dramatic touchdown catch with time expiring, the head coach opted to kick a field goal rather than go for the throat with a two-point conversion that could have potentially won the game.
This came back to haunt the Washington Commanders during a gut-wrenching loss. But when Riverboat Ron - a man known for taking a risk or two in pursuit of victory - outlined his explanation regarding the choice via CBS Sports, it's clear he wasn't confident in his tiring offense getting the job done after a phenomenal effort to give themselves a fighting chance.
"Yeah (we considered it), but you know what? Those guys, they were gassed. They really were. It was a (long) drive. They were hurrying, they were hustling. I really thought we had the chance (to win), you know, and that's too bad."Ron Rivera via CBS Sports
Hindsight is a wonderful thing to have, obviously. Had the officials made a better call regarding Terry McLaurin's catch that never was, things might have been different. Those are the fine margins that decide games, unfortunately.
That said, Rivera can be proud of the way his team dug in after such a torrid outing in Week 3. But there is no time to cry over spilled milk with the Chicago Bears and the national NFL spotlight awaiting on Thursday.
Commanders QB Sam Howell lauded
As previously stated, this was a sensational display from quarterback Sam Howell. He was protective of the football, looked poised in the pocket, improvised when required, and demonstrated the clutch traits that the Washington Commanders have sorely lacked under center in recent years.
Howell was the first to admit after the game that this counted for nothing from his point of view. The Commanders didn't come away with an upset win, which is the most important thing for the signal-caller and a testament to his flourishing leadership skills despite a lack of experience.
When discussing Howell's performance, Ron Rivera couldn't have been more complimentary based on comments via Clutch Points. In particular, the head coach acknowledged how well the former Day 3 draft pick responded in the face of adversity within one of the most inhospitable environments in football.
"Well, first of all, it was a hell of a performance by Sam. He bounced back, he learned from last week, he grew and he got better. It was reflected in the way he played, it was reflected in the way he led our offense. Lot of positive things that we're gonna take from that. That's a plus."Ron Rivera via Clutch Points
Aside from a woeful outing against the Buffalo Bills - whose defense held the red-hot Miami Dolphins to 20 points after they dropped 70 on the Denver Broncos - it's been hugely encouraging from Howell's perspective. But getting back in the win column versus the Chicago Bears is the most important thing.