'Away From No. 2': Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell Breaks Down Final TD

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell sold himself a little bit short, calling his touchdown throw to Jahan Dotson just a "good play." It was an incredible play and he detailed what he saw and his game plan heading into the throw.

The Washington Commanders had blown a 17-7 lead, and were driving to try and tie the game at the end of regulation.

At the Philadelphia Eagles' 10-yard line, Commanders quarterback Sam Howell stood tall in the rapidly collapsing pocket and rifled a pass to wide receiver Jahan Dotson for a game-tying touchdown with no time remaining in regulation.

Howell said he "liked my matchup" on the incredible throw, as Dotson lined up against second-year cornerback Josh Jobe as opposed to Pro Bowler Darius Slay.

"[Slay]’s got great ball skills, good eyes. He’s always got good eyes. Definitely was probably thinking ‘go away from No. 2.’" Howell said after the 34-31 overtime loss. "In those situations I trust all my guys. It’s more about who’s the best matchup at that time. Jahan made a good play.”

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson (1) catches a touchdown as time expired in regulation against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field Sunday. The Eagles won 34-31 / Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts bombed a throw down the right sideline for a 28-yard touchdown to wide receiver A.J. Brown, burning rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. to take a 31-24 lead with 1:43 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Running back Antonio Gibson returned the ensuing kickoff to Washington's 36-yard line for the Commanders to go to work.

Howell transcended on the final drive of regulation, completing six of his nine pass attempts for 71 yards and the score, battling back from a second that required Washington to burn its final timeout with 1:09 to go. Howell marched the Commanders 60 yards from that point on, capping off the drive with the touchdown strike to Dotson.

Howell and Dotson connected once in the overtime period for a 5-yard pickup, as the Washington pass-catcher finished his day with four receptions for 25 yards and the one score. 

Despite the loss in overtime, the fight that the Commanders showed on the final drive is a sign of life for an offense that was blanked just one week prior.