Sam Howell's Out? No Problem! Commanders Roll Despite QB Absence
The Washington Commanders took the field against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday with a big question mark at quarterback. Sam Howell, the young signal-caller who'd shown some promise in his limited appearances, was ruled out with a slight ankle injury. But, as they say, the show must go on, and the Commanders delivered a convincing performance, crushing the Panthers 24-10 in a game that was never really in doubt.
The Commanders' offense, led by backup QB Jacoby Brissett, looked sharp right out of the gate. Brissett connected on a 60-yard bomb to Terry McLaurin for a touchdown on the first drive of the game, setting the tone for the rest of the day. He kept the Panthers' defense on their toes with smart decisions and accurate passes. The Commanders' running game also stepped up, with Brian Robinson Jr. churning out yards and making it clear they weren't just a one-trick pony.
The Panthers, on the other hand, couldn't find their footing. Their offense struggled to get going, turning the ball over twice. The Panthers' defense, usually a strength, looked vulnerable against the Commanders' potent attack. They couldn't get any pressure on Brissett, and their secondary was often out of position.
Howell's absence was certainly a setback for the Commanders, but Brissett proved to be a reliable and capable replacement. The Commanders' performance on Sunday was a testament to the team's depth and resilience, proving that they're more than just a one-man show.
The victory was a huge confidence boost for the Commanders, who are now 2-1 on the season. With Howell expected to be back soon, the Commanders look to be a real force to be reckoned with in the NFC East. They're proving they can win with or without their starting quarterback, which is a great sign for the future. This is a Commanders team that's ready to make some noise in 2023!