Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell 'A Baller', Says Los Angeles Rams Coach Sean McVay

Stifled by the Los Angeles Rams defense on Sunday coach Sean McVay says he still sees strong qualities in Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell.

INGLEWOOD, Ca. -- The Washington Commanders came up short in their 28-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, but that final score somewhat hides what most will be talking about Monday morning.

With just over nine minutes remaining in the contest Commanders coach Ron Rivera decided to pull quarterback Sam Howell from the game. His reasoning was to prevent, "anything crazy," from happening he said, as the Rams were bringing speed and pressure with the game nearly in hand. 

That decision led to backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett leading two strong touchdown drives that cut the lead to just eight points. And has opened the door to much debate about who should be the starter moving forward.

While the events of Week 15 seem to have shaken the faith some have in Howell's potential, Los Angeles coach Sean McVay says he still sees the same thing he did before the game. A quality - albeit young - NFL quarterback.

“I think the defense did a good job," McVay responded when asked about his thoughts on Howell after playing him for the first time. "I thought [Rams defensive coordinator] Raheem [Morris] really mixed it up really well. And then Jacoby Brissett came in and really gave them a spark and ended up leading them on two touchdown drives...But I still feel like I do about Sam. There are times that you have tough games, but that guy's a baller and I respect him as a competitor.”

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) throws the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

When Howell was pulled Los Angeles held a 28-7 lead and there's little doubt that most observers assumed Washington would surely drop its 10th game of the season, and lose by double-digits for the fourth week in a row. 

The first-year starting quarterback finished with just 102 yards passing, one touchdown pass, and one interception. 

Sunday marked the fourth straight game Howell has thrown at least one interception and he has six total in that stretch. 

Why Commanders Benched Howell for Brissett

Commanders coach Ron Rivera said after the game he's sticking with his starting quarterback, and Brissett himself echoed the same sentiment that Howell wasn't benched as much as he was pulled from the game to preserve future opportunities with the current one looking all but exhausted in terms of growth opportunities.

Regardless, the debate will rage on, and with a date against the New York Jets' stingy defense on Christmas Eve there's even more potential for logs to be thrown on that fire in the days to come.