Chicago Bears Loss 'Won't Define' Washington Commanders, Says Sam Howell

After the Washington Commanders' 40-20 loss to the Chicago Bears quarterback Sam Howell's message was one about growth and not getting stuck in the negative.

The Washington Commanders had a bad night as quarterback Sam Howell picked up his first primetime loss as a starter losing 40-20 to the Chicago Bears.

While the football world will be undoubtedly hard on the Commanders in the 10 between the loss and their next trip to the playing surface, Howell's message was about moving forward to prove they are the team they say they are.

"Definitely felt like it was a game that we were capable of winning," Howell said. "Didn't come off to a good start. Kind of put ourselves in a hole there in the first half and tried to fight our way back in the second half but we came up short. I think everyone just needs to look in the mirror and I think everyone came out of that game knowing that they can do something better...I know one thing about this team is tonight won't define who we are as a football team and we'll be better moving forward."

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) drops back to pass as Chicago Bears defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) rushes during the second half at FedExField / Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

For Howell, getting better isn't something he's just preaching. 

After notching career highs in completions, attempts, yards, and throwing two touchdowns in one game for the second time, Howell is performing better every week it seems.

In fact, this is the first time his quarterback rating has risen in back-to-back games after producing better this week than he did in a close loss to the Philadelphia Eagles one week ago.

Part of his improved play has been his decision-making and opting to run the ball or throw it away when a downfield look isn't there.

Although he's been choosing to run more than the alternative, giving rise to concerns that his body may not be able to withstand the style of play he's bringing to Washington's offense.

"I feel alright. Body feels good," Howell said when asked about the punishment he's taking. "At the end of the day, I'm going to go out there and try to do everything it takes to win. There was some times where I was trying to get the first down on third down and I wouldn't take any of those plays back. Obviously, I'd like to be in a position where we have more control of the game and I can do a better job of kind of protecting myself but you know when we're down and our backs are against the wall I'm going to do whatever it takes."

After starting the season 2-0, three straight wins have Howell's Commanders against the wall of public and league-wide perception.

Seeing a previously 0-4 Bears team laughing while running away with a 20-point win isn't going to gain Washington a whole lot of respect from their peers.

So it'll take some rapid growth from those men in the reflections of Commanders players' mirrors to regain as much as they can with a road contest against the Atlanta Falcons coming up in Week 6.