Commanders Notebook: 3 Takeaways From Washington's Win vs. Browns

A defensive stand sealed the 17-15 win for the Washington Commanders over the Cleveland Browns.

Much like they have in recent years, the Washington Commanders' defense rose to the occasion with a pivotal stop on a two-point conversion to seal a 17-15 on the road against the Cleveland Browns on Friday. 

The Commanders overcame an early safety to score 17 unanswered points before having to hang on in the game's waning moments. Along with the strong defensive play, there were bright spots on offense. 

Here are three takeaways from Washington's win over the Browns. 

Sam Howell’s Strong Finish:

It took a bit, but Howell finally got rolling on his final drive of the game, finding receiver Jahan Dotson for a 26-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He completed 9 of 12 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown.

Growing pains are expected for the second-year quarterback, and it’s only heightened by the fact that he’s learning a new offense under offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Those struggles weren’t completely Howell’s fault, as he was under pressure and forced to scramble on multiple occasions. The offensive line had trouble, including a safety on a holding call by Andrew Wylie in the end zone and allowing Howell to be sacked once.

But after the safety, Howell found his footing and marched the offense down the field, including a fourth-down conversion to Cole Turner in Cleveland territory. The fourth-down conversion set up Howell’s touchdown to Dotson on the following play.

If Howell can continue to grow, which he showed by bouncing back from a rough start, it’s a promising sign for the Commanders’ second-year quarterback.

Cole Turner Emerging?:

A lot is made of the Commanders’ weapons on offense, but if there’s one weak link outside of the offensive line, it’s the tight ends.

However, that may be changing after Cole Turner’s performance.

The second-year tight end had four catches for 31 yards, including a crucial fourth-down conversion in the second quarter.

If Washington’s offense is going to its full potential with Bieniemy as the play-caller, they’ll need more production from the tight end position. Turner’s performance against the Browns may have been a step in the right direction if he can continue to produce.

Defensive Discipline:

The Commanders’ defense has done more than its fair share of carrying the team in recent years, only for the offense to let them down. They continued to show that when they had a goalline stand in the first quarter and the stop on the two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter.

But Washington found themselves in that situation largely due to Browns’ quarterback Deshaun Watson’s ability to run through open lanes left by the defense. Watson ran for 20 yards on three carries in his only drive of the game. Those issues will prove problematic, especially against division rivals. 

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, and New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones are two of the better running quarterbacks in football. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott can also run when necessary too.

It was only the first preseason game, and it’s an issue that can be resolved. But if it isn’t, it may be what sinks an otherwise strong Commanders' defense.

---

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Washington Commanders? Click Here.

Follow Commander Country on Twitter.

Want even more Washington Commanders news? Check out the SI.com team page here.