Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell Praised by Eagles' Darius Slay: 'He Was Great!'
The Washington Commanders fell to 2-2 on Sunday after a tough 34-31 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, but there's tons of reasons for the team to feel positive.
Along with Washington taking the defending NFC champions to the brink on the road, the play of quarterback Sam Howell is another reason the Commanders should feel confident as they enter a much easier part of their schedule.
In Sunday's loss, Howell bounced back in a big way after the worst game his young career in Week 3's 37-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Against Philly, Howell went 29 of 41 passing for 290 yards, one touchdown and no picks while facing an elite Eagles defense. This was vastly different look than the one he gave fans in the blowout vs. Buffalo, as Howell tossed four interceptions and was sacked nine times in that game.
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) is hit by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) in overtime at Lincoln Financial Field.
© Eric Hartline, USA TODAY
The two-week difference is a sign that Howell can bounce back, and it's safe to say Eagles star cornerback Darius Slay took notice.
“He was great, man. … They got a good future with him, man," Slay said. "He gotta keep working, but great game by him, for sure, by extending plays. … He made a lot of big plays.”
Howell showed off glimpses of a clutch gene against the Eagles as he led the Commanders on a had-to-have-it drive late in the fourth quarter that sent the game to overtime. After Philly took a 31-24 lead with 1:43 remaining, Howell went 6 of 9 passing for 71 yards and tossed the game-tying 10-yard touchdown to receiver Jahan Dotson with no time remaining in regulation to tie the game at 31-31.
Against an elite Eagles defense that had the home crowd at its back, most second-year quarterbacks might've folded against the pressure.
But despite the loss, Howell showed more signs that he's ready to be the franchise quarterback for this team moving forward. He'll have his next chance to prove himself on Thursday against the winless Chicago Bears at FedEx Field.
