Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell had a game to forget in last week’s 37-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Afterward, Howell stood in front of the media and accepted responsibility for his performance, even for things that weren’t his fault.
On Wednesday, Howell again spoke to the media, offering no excuses, not throwing teammates under the bus, and said he must be better. When a reporter asked Howell about being a young quarterback, he responded that defenses didn’t care if he was a young quarterback.
The ultimate test for Howell is how he would respond on the field. And he was facing a stiff test in the Philadelphia Eagles and their vaunted defensive line.
Howell aced the test. While the Commanders lost to the Eagles 34-31 in overtime, Howell put Washington on his back, completing 29 of 41 passes for 290 yards and a touchdown. Howell led the Commanders on a game-tying drive as time expired to send the game into overtime.
Twitter — or X — showered Howell with praise after his performance in Sunday’s loss to the Eagles.
Rick Snider
Rick Snider’s Washington says no more doubts about Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell. Gimme two minutes. pic.twitter.com/SJLcoKFoBP
— Rick Snider's Washington (@Snide_Remarks) October 1, 2023
Ross Tucker
Truly impressive bounce back for Sam Howell from poor performance last week.
Feels like Washington might have their guy.
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) October 1, 2023
Commanders Wire
We learned something today about Howell: He bounced back and in a massive way against an elite team. Win or lose. #HTTC
— Commanders Wire (@Washington_Wire) October 1, 2023
Magic Johnson
Even though we lost the game, I’m proud and happy with the @Commanders team effort on both sides of the ball, the way Sam Howell played, and the way we bounced back from the Bills loss!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 1, 2023
Commanders' Fan of the Year, Chris Bryant
We lost, but im proud of the team.
It was a dog fight. Sam Howell is 𝗛𝗜𝗠.
Ohhh, and Terry was inboud. #HTTC pic.twitter.com/jVRhxgTfkR
— Chris Bryant (@HogfarmerChris) October 1, 2023
Al Galdi
Disappointing to lose for sure. But Sam Howell was outstanding. Accurate, poised, clutch. A tremendous bounce-back performance. The kind that you see from someone who is a franchise quarterback. #Commanders
— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) October 1, 2023
Mina Kimes
Me when Sam Howell has a good game pic.twitter.com/OWASK39ybN
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) October 1, 2023
Gd what a throw 😭😭😭
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) October 1, 2023
Grant Paulsen
There will be lots of time to dissect what went wrong for the Commanders in today's loss.
But the lede might still be that Sam Howell was really good on the road again. For a guy in his 5th career game, that was super impressive. Nice bounce back for Bieniemy as the OC as well.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) October 1, 2023
Michael Phillips
Sam Howell showed us something today. Bieniemy too.
— michael phillips (@michaelpinRVA) October 1, 2023
Nicki Jhabvala
Perfect ball by Sam Howell. pic.twitter.com/ydWKml04la
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 1, 2023
JP Finlay
Whatever questions existed about Sam Howell's ability to bounce back after a clunker have been answered. Gem of a 1st half in 1st ever NFC East road start. 13 of 17 for 160. Only 2 sacks. Plenty of football left but the kid continues to show the guts and calm that a real QB1…
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 1, 2023
Fans
Sam Howell's game tying drive sold me.
— Disco (@discoque5) October 1, 2023
Sam Howell is a franchise QB.I feel very confident about that. https://t.co/eD8QbbPDvf
— Joey T (@Joeytrez) October 1, 2023
Sam Howell is that dude. What an response to an horrific game last week. Guy has it. We just need to stay patient as best as possible
— 🐽 Hogfarmer Keith 🐽 (@Kgskins26) October 1, 2023
Ryan Fowler
Ball placement within chaos from Sam Howell. Pretty. pic.twitter.com/WxZl99Daqq
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) October 1, 2023
Ryan Clark
Dang!! I see ya Sam Howell. Don’t blink then. That’s a big time drive!
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) October 1, 2023
