Sam Howell’s NFL Lesson: Commanders’ Crushing Defeat
Reality can be harsh, especially when it involves a humbling 34-point loss at home that rattles the foundation of a promising 2-1 start. The Washington Commanders found themselves facing this harsh reality on Sunday, as they were thoroughly dominated by the Buffalo Bills in a lopsided 37-3 defeat. For rookie quarterback Sam Howell, it marked his first true “welcome to the NFL” moment.
The NFL season is known for its unpredictable twists and turns, where opinions and performances can swing wildly from week to week. Unfortunately for the Commanders, they now find themselves on the negative side of a small sample size, with some questioning whether it’s time for a new quarterback.
Howell endured his worst game as a pro, throwing four interceptions and suffering nine sacks as the Commanders’ struggles piled up. The game spiraled out of control, with Washington trailing 37-0 before salvaging a meaningless field goal with just 50 seconds left on the clock. What was once considered a team with potential now faced the harsh reality of being outmatched by a true Super Bowl contender.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen didn’t need to do much because the Commanders kept turning the ball over. It was clear that the level of quarterback play displayed in this loss wouldn’t be sufficient to secure victories. However, it’s essential to remember that Howell was facing a formidable opponent in just his fourth NFL start.
“Obviously, he was giving me advice and trying to give me little things here and there that I can do a better job of,” Howell said of head coach Ron Rivera’s postgame message. “But at the end of the day, just telling me that he believes in me and he supports me. So definitely super appreciative to not only him but to all my teammates having my back.”
Despite this disappointing performance, Howell should retain his role as the starting quarterback. The Commanders need to assess whether he possesses the potential to be a long-term starter rather than making hasty changes. With a 2-1 record and considerable top-end talent, this team can still challenge most opponents. One bad game shouldn’t overshadow their potential.
However, the Commanders’ resume now looks less convincing after Sunday’s loss. Their victory against the Denver Broncos, who allowed a staggering 70 points to the Dolphins, suddenly appears less impressive. The Commanders must find consistency after narrowly beating a team that suffered a 50-point loss.
With Howell already enduring 19 sacks this season, Coach Rivera emphasized the need to learn from these challenges. “Well, you got to learn from it. That’s how it’s going to get corrected. If you don’t learn from it, it’s going to happen again.”
Perhaps the Commanders aren’t ready to be the NFL’s spoilers just yet, but they should stay the course with Howell. Not every week will be as disastrous as this one. In the NFL, bad games are part of the journey, and it’s crucial to endure them as long as the team remains competitive.
The Commanders’ season has gained perspective as more games have unfolded. For now, they should keep their fingers hovering over the panic button, rather than hastily pressing it.
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