Washington Commanders vs. New England Patriots GAMEDAY Preview: Sam Howell & Co. Eye Much-Needed Win

The New England Patriots host the Washington Commanders this afternoon at Gillette Stadium.

Today, the Washington Commanders hit the road to face the spiraling New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. 

Both teams desperately need a win after suffering deflating defeats last Sunday.

The Patriots come home after allowing 390 yards of offense in a 31-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Quarterback Mac Jones dinked and dunked to finish with 161 yards with two touchdown passes. Jones threw his eighth interception during Sunday's loss, which ties him for the most interceptions in the NFL this season.

Washington went toe-to-toe with the Philadelphia Eagles, but couldn't keep pace and was outscored 21-7 in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Sam Howell threw for 397 yards and four touchdowns. Howell's performance was spectacular through three quarters but a disastrous three-drive stretch in the fourth quarter put a damper on what was a career-day for him.

The Commanders offensive line hopes to build on a solid outing against the Eagles. Howell, who had been sacked 40 times this season, was only taken down once against the Eagles.

After losing five of their last six games, the Commanders hope to turn it around in Foxborough. Washington's defense looks to get after Jones and a Patriots offense that ranks 31st in points per game through eight weeks of the season.

The Commanders sit third in the NFC East division, behind the 7-1 Eagles and the 5-2 Dallas Cowboys. 

Sam Howell / Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports

RECORDS: Washington Commanders (3-5) at New England Patriots (2-6) 

ODDS: Washington is a 2.5-point underdog vs. the Patriots

GAME TIME: Sunday, November 5th, 2023 at 1 p.m. ET

LOCATION: Gillette Stadium - Foxborough, MA

TV/RADIO: FOX, 100.3 FM

THE FINAL WORD: Coach Ron Rivera's message to Washington's locker room after the disappointing loss to the Eagles:

"If you can do that for four quarters against an elite team in the NFL, you should be able to do it any time that you want," Rivera said. "Our focus is we have nine games left to play. We'll play them one game at a time, and we'll focus in on what is coming up next."