Washington Commanders 'Quarterback Play' Gives Ron Rivera Optimism Moving Forward

The Washington Commanders currently sit at 3-5, but the play of Sam Howell has head coach Ron Rivera in an optimistic mood.

The Washington Commanders are coming off another loss to the Philadelphia Eagles as they again pushed the NFC champs all the way at FedEx Field in a 38-31 loss.

But the play of Sam Howell was an overwhelming positive to come out of the game, as one could argue; it was his best of the season. Howell completed 39 of his 53 passes for 397 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception, earning him a 114.0 rating. 

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera says the play of Howell gives him cause for optimism going forward.

“First of all, I think the play of the quarterback [Sam Howell]," Rivera said. "It's something that we've talked about. I think when you start seeing the production that he's having, it's now time for us to go out and do the things that we're capable of. I think we're more than capable. I really do. But again, we haven't shown it. That's something that we as coaches have got to make sure we're giving these guys every opportunity to be successful. Then if that's the case, we have to go out and make sure we're executing properly.”

Sam Howell played one of his best games of the season in the loss to the Eagles / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

So consistency is the name of the game going forward. That's easier said than done with a young quarterback, but Howell has shown enough glimpses to warrant being bullish about the position.

However, being a consistent football team is perhaps the toughest thing to do in the NFL today, but playing complementary football is what Rivera feels is the best way to do it.

“Well, with 10 more weeks left to play, we're going to take each week one at a time. I know I've said it, sound like a broken record, but that's the truth of the matter," Rivera said. "We'll continue to work and try and get us to play complementary football. I mean, that's the truth. I mean, it is just you continue to grow and work and develop and you know, as it goes, we'll see how it goes."

Washington faces Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots in Week 9 as it will look to snap its two-game losing streak.

Suppose Howell and the offense can replicate their performance against the Eagles, in that case, there is no reason to suggest that the Commanders can't roll into Gillette Stadium, walk out with a win, and begin the long road to being the consistent team Rivera wants them to be.