Commanders QB Sam Howell Emphasizing Getting The 'Ball Out of My Hand'

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell faces his toughest challenge yet with the Buffalo Bills and quarterback Josh Allen coming to town in Week 3.

ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Commanders are feeling good coming out of their first 2-0 start since 2011, and have a big matchup against the 1-1 Buffalo Bills. 

In Week 3, the Bills are looking to continue proving their opening weekend loss was a fluke and not a sign of who they are this season.

While the Commanders' wins have come against opponents most consider well below the Bills in the world of NFL prestige, there are still lessons quarterback Sam Howell is carrying key lessons from each coming into this weekend.

"I'm always trying to find ways to get the ball out of my hand and limit sacks," Howell said when asked about his own growth and development. "We still had more than we'd like to have. So we just gotta continue to do a better job of that stuff, but that's a big emphasis for me...when stuff isn't there downfield just try to find an incompletion. An incompletion is better than a sack."

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell running away from Denver Broncos defensive end Randy Gregory / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Howell is commonly complimentary of his teammates giving credit for plays to those playing around him and resisting taking credit for himself.

Asked about his 30-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin, for example, Howell gave credit to the receiver and his offensive line for providing the time and for making the catch.

But he did acknowledge at least a little bit of self-praise for his own performance in Week 2.

"I just think I played more decisive," Howell said. "I think my decision-making overall was better...getting the ball out on time. So I felt like I was in good rhythm."

Ever humble, Howell has now beaten some of his generation's best quarterbacks with wins over Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys and Russell Wilson this past weekend.

In Week 3, he gets to go up against another quarterback he's yet to compete against with Josh Allen bringing his Super Bowl-aspiring squad into FedEx Field from Buffalo.

"What a great opportunity for us as a team, going against a team like Buffalo - one of the better teams in the league," Howell said. "We're excited for the challenge. We're excited to give it our best effort and just kind of see where we're at...We're excited about the plan and trying to have a really good week of practice, and go out there on Sunday and just play our game. I feel like if we do that then we'll have a chance."

Howell said he's never met Allen before, but he's looking forward to doing so on Sunday and to shaking his hand after the game is over.

Washington's second home game of the season is sold out just like the first one was, and surely there will be some Bills fans in attendance. 

Commanders fans are also looking forward to Howell's first meeting with Allen, hoping it's their quarterback shaking hands as the winner in Week 3.