Washington Commanders' Sam Howell Had 'Productive Week of Self-Scout', Says Ron Rivera

The Washington Commanders are coming off their bye week, and head coach Ron Rivera says it benefited quarterback Sam Howell.

The Washington Commanders season is in freefall as they are on a four-game losing streak and have failed to score more than 19 points in their last three while conceding more than 29 points in their last four.

Which is why the bye week came at the right time.

With four games remaining in their season, the 4-9 Commanders needed to do some soul-searching and figure out how to make the best of this final stretch.

But the bye week was also good for self-scouting, and head coach Ron Rivera revealed that quarterback Sam Howell did just that.

“Well, for the most part, it was a productive week of self-scout," Rivera said. "But the biggest thing we got to see in terms of watching what Sam has done and some of the things that he's improved on you start seeing his footwork has been really good. It's just a little more confidence in stepping up, and with those eyes downfield consistently, when he’s done that, he’s been very, very effective.

"He has created some really good opportunities for himself downfield. Secondly, continuing to grow in helping with setting the protections and making the checks in terms of reading the pressures that are coming and then again, decision making and getting the ball out quickly. I mean, he's done a great job with all of that. As he continues to develop with that, that's going to really help, and really, it's going to take some of the extra pressure off of him by making those decisions quicker."

Ron Rivera revealed that the bye week was beneficial for quarterback Sam Howell / USA Today Sports

With four games left on the schedule, Howell will get a chance to put some good things on film to take into the offseason, and given that it's his first year as an NFL starter, he has been rather productive.

Of course, there have been ups and downs, but looking at his stats, for the most part, Howell has acquitted himself well.

He currently sits fourth in passing yards (3,466), sixth for yards per game (266.6), 14th for completion percentage (65.8), and 15th for touchdowns (18). That's the good, now for the not-so-good.

Commanders' Ron Rivera Details What Bye Week Looks Like For Team

Howell is joint-first in the NFL for interceptions (14) and is the most sacked quarterback (58), so there are some things to work on for him and the Commanders' offense.

Rivera stated that it was a good week for self-scouting and we will see what adjustments or tweaks are made against the Los Angeles Rams as Washington looks to salvage something from this horror season.