By R.L. Bynum
Sam Howell threw three touchdown passes with a 119.7 passer rating Sunday, both career-highs, to help the Washington Commanders snap a three-game losing streak with a 24–16 road victory over Atlanta. Josh Downs, one of his former targets at UNC, scored his first NFL touchdown.
It was the first time Howell had thrown three touchdown passes since leading North Carolina to a 38–7 home victory against Duke on Oct. 2, 2021, when he threw for 321 yards and three touchdowns.
His other numbers weren’t that good against the Falcons on Sunday, connecting on 14 of 23 passes for 151 yards with a 60.9% completion percentage. All four numbers were season-lows.
“I think we did some good things,” Howell said in a postgame interview with CBS. “We kind of spread the ball around a bit, a lot of different things got the run game going pretty good. Really, hats off to the defense. They played a great game. I think we’ve got to do a lot of things better offensively, but it was a good team win.”
Atlanta sacked him five times after coming into the game with five sacks in its first five games.
It marked the fourth consecutive game Howell has been sacked at least five times. With 34 sacks, he’s on pace to break the record of 76 that David Carr set in 2002 in the Houston Texans’ first season. A lot of the blame goes to the Commanders’ offensive line, but Howell sometimes holds the ball too long.
When he got more time to throw in the first half, he was 12 of 18 for 109 yards and two touchdowns. When he dealt with more pressure in the second half, he was 2 of 5 for 42 yards.
Both Howell’s touchdown passes came in the second quarter as Washington went from trailing 7–3 to leading 17–7. He connected with Antonio Gibson on a one-yard scoring pass and Curtis Samuel on a 7-yard touchdown pass.
Howell only targeted Dyami Brown once, and Brown couldn’t make the catch on a deep attempt.
For Atlanta, Mack Hollins had three catches on four targets for 41 yards, including an 18-yard reception off the bench. Mike Hughes returned three punts for the Falcons for 11 yards, including an 8-yard return. Linebacker Andre Smith is back on Atlanta’s practice squad after playing two weeks ago.
Downs started and caught five of eight passes targeted to him for 28 yards, including a 9-yard reception, in the Indianapolis Colts’ 37–20 loss at Jacksonville. The biggest catch, though, was early in the fourth quarter when quarterback Gardner Minshew connected with him on a 2-yard touchdown reception.
James Hurst has been the starting left guard for New Orleans, but started at left tackle for the first time this season in the Saints’ 20–13 loss at Houston. He left the game in the second quarter with a left ankle injury and didn’t return.
For the Texans, M.J. Stewart Jr. had three tackles in 82 total snaps.
After missing Denver’s previous game with a quad injury, running back Javonte Williams came off the bench to run for 52 yards on 10 carries in the Broncos’ 19–8 loss Thursday at Kansas City. He also ran in a two-point conversion. He had five carries in each half, collecting 41 yards in the first half.
Antoine Green played 12 total snaps and had no statistics in Detroit’s 20–6 win at Tampa Bay.
Michael Carter had one carry for five yards, a run up the middle on a third-and-20 at the Eagles 22 in the second quarter, in 13 snaps as the host New York Jets beat Philadelphia 20–14. It was the first win in 12 tries over the Eagles in franchise history. Chazz Surratt had no statistics in 15 special-teams snaps.
Joshua Ezeudu suffered a toe injury with 6:35 left, was carted off in the first quarter of the New York Giants’ 14–9 loss at Buffalo on Sunday night and didn’t return after playing only nine snaps. Marcus McKethan played 71 total snaps off the bench, with Mark Glowinski starting ahead of him at right guard.
Week 6 concludes Monday night with Asim Richards and the Dallas Cowboys visiting San Diego at 8:15 (ABC, ESPN).
Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders wide receiver
Age 23 | 6–0, 195 | third NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Second-string WR behind Terry McLaurin
24–16 win at Atlanta — Started; 0 catches on 1 target, which was a deep first-quarter pass from Sam Howell; 11 offensive snaps (22%), 3 special-teams snaps (12%)
Season statistics — 6 games, 1 start; 6 catches, 87 yards (35 longest), 14.5 average
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday at New York Giants, CBS
Michael Carter, New York Jets running back
Age 24 | 5–8, 201 | third NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Third-string RB behind Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook
20–14 win vs. Philadelphia — 1 carry, 5 yards; 1 target, 0 catches; called for a false start; 13 offensive snaps (20%)
Season statistics — 6 games, 6 carries, 36 yards (9 longest), 6.2 average; 9 catches, 44 yards (10 longest), 4.9 average
Up next after Week 7 open date — 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at New York Giants, CBS
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings running back
Age 25 | 5–11, 204 | second NFL season | UNC 2021
Roster situation — Second-string RB behind Alexander Mattison
19–13 win vs. Chicago — 1 assist on kickoff coverage; 16 special-teams snaps (62%)
Season statistics — 6 games, 8 carries, 42 yards (15 longest), 5.2 average; 4 catches, 31 yards (18 longest), 7.8 average; 2 kickoff returns, 55 yards (33 longest)
Up next — 8:15 Monday vs. San Francisco, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Age 22 | 5–9, 171 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2020–22
Roster situation — Starting wide receiver ahead of Isaiah McKenzie
37–20 loss at Jacksonville — Started; 5 catches on 8 targets, 21 yards (9 longest), 1 TD; 13.1 fantasy points; 61 offensive snaps (78%)
Season statistics — 6 games, 4 starts; 28 catches, 276 yards (38 longest)
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Cleveland, CBS
Joshua Ezeudu, New York Giants offensive lineman
Age 24 | 6–4, 308 | second NFL season | UNC 2018–21
Roster situation — Listed as second-string left tackle behind Andrew Thomas
14–9 loss at Buffalo — Started at left tackle; suffered a toe injury with 6:35 left in the first quarter and was out for the rest of the game after playing 9 offensive snaps (12%)
Season statistics — 6 games, 5 starts; 265 offensive snaps and 15 special-teams snaps
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Washington, CBS
Antoine Green, Detroit Lions wide receiver
Age 23 | 6–2, 199 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Second-string wide receiver behind Marvin Jones Jr.
20–6 win at Tampa Bay — No statistics; 4 offensive snaps (6%), 8 special-teams snaps (32%)
Season statistics — 5 games, 1 catch, 1 target, 2 yards
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday at Baltimore, Fox
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker
Age 26 | 6–1, 240 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2015–18
Roster situation — Listed, along with Kwon Alexander, as starting left inside linebacker
Pittsburgh had the weekend off
Season statistics — 5 games, 5 starts; 17 tackles, 12 assists, 3 tackles for a losses, 2 forced fumbles
Up next — 4:05 Sunday at Los Angeles Rams, Fox
Mack Hollins, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver
Age 30 | 6–4, 221 | seventh NFL season | UNC 2013–16
Roster situation — Listed as starting wide receiver ahead of KhaDarel Hodge
24–16 loss vs. Washington — Didn’t start; 3 catches on 4 targets, 41 yards (18 longest), 13.7 average; 7.1 fantasy points; 28 offensive snaps (34%), 5 special-teams snap (21%)
Season statistics — 6 games, 2 starts; 12 catches, 23 targets, 184 yards (45 longest)
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday at Tampa Bay, Fox
Sam Howell, Washington Commanders quarterback
Age 23 | 6–1, 220 | second NFL season | UNC 2019–21
Roster situation — Starting QB ahead of Jacoby Brissett
24–16 win at Atlanta — Started; 14 of 23, 151 yards, 3 TDs (24 longest), 119.7 passer rating; 4 rushes, 3 yards (4 longest); 18.34 fantasy points; 51 offensive snaps (100%)
Season statistics — 6 games, 6 starts; 145 of 214, 1,500 yards, 9 touchdowns, 6 interceptions; 18 carries, 104 yards
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday at New York Giants, CBS
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Age 26 | 5–10, 191 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2015
Roster situation — Second string cornerback behind A.J. Terrell
24–16 loss vs. Washington — 3 punt returns, 11 yards (8 longest), 3.7 average, 2 fair catches; 6 special-teams snaps (25%)
Season statistics — 5 games, 4 tackles, 2 assists, 9 punt returns, 52 yards (16 longest), 6 fair catches; 3 kickoff returns, 46 yards (19 longest), 15.3 average
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday at Tampa Bay, Fox
James Hurst, New Orleans Saints offensive lineman
Age 31 | 6–5, 310 | 10th NFL season | UNC 2010–13
Roster situation — Listed as starting left guard ahead of Andrus Peat
20–13 loss at Houston — Started at left tackle for the first time this season; left game in the second quarter with a left ankle injury; 18 offensive snaps (22%)
Season statistics — 5 games, 5 starts; 367 offensive snaps, 9 special-teams snaps
Up next — 8:15 Thursday vs. Jacksonville, Prime Video
Marcus McKethan, New York Giants offensive lineman
Age 23 | 6–7, 335 | second NFL season | UNC 2018–21
Roster situation — Listed as starting right guard ahead of Mark Glowinski
14–9 loss at Buffalo — Played off the bench after Glowinski started at right guard; 68 offensive snaps (88%), 3 special-teams snaps (14%)
Season statistics — 6 games, 4 starts; 308 offensive snaps, 14 special-teams snaps entering weekend
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Washington, CBS
Asim Richards, Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman
Age 23 | 6–4, 307 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2019–22
Roster situation — Second-string left guard behind Tyler Smith
20–17 win at L.A. Chargers — Not active for game
Season statistics — 3 games; 21 offensive snaps, 17 special-teams
Up next after Week 7 open date — 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, vs. Los Angeles Rams, Fox
M.J. Stewart Jr., Houston Texans safety
Age 28 | 5–11, 200 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2014–17
Roster situation — Second-string safety behind Jimmie Ward
20–13 win vs. New Orleans — 3 tackles; 3.0 fantasy points; 63 defensive snaps (77%), 19 special-teams snaps (73%)
Season statistics — 5 games, 1 start, 11 tackles, 7 assists, 2 forced fumbles
Up next after Week 7 open date — 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at Carolina, Fox
Chazz Surratt, New York Jets linebacker
Age 26 | 6–2, 233 | third NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Second-string linebacker behind Quincy Williams
20–14 win vs. Philadelphia — Played but no statistics; 15 special-teams snaps (68%)
Season statistics — 6 games, no statistics
Up next after Week 7 open date — 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at New York Giants, CBS
Mitchell Trubisky, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Age 29 | 6–2, 220 | seventh NFL season | UNC 2014–16
Roster situation — Second-string QB behind Kenny Pickett
Pittsburgh had the weekend off
Season statistics — 1 game, 3 of 5, 18 yards, 3.6 average , 0 TDs, 0 INTs, 67.1 passer rating
Up next — 4:05 Sunday at Los Angeles Rams, Fox
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos running back
Age 23 | 5–10, 220 | third NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting running back ahead of Samaje Perine
19–8 Thursday loss at Kansas City — Didn’t start; 10 carries, 52 yards (18 longest), 5.2 average, 2-point conversion run; 7.2 fantasy points; 18 offensive snaps (35%);
Season statistics — 5 games, 4 starts; 48 carries 190 yards (18 longest), 4.0 average; 11 catches, 14 targets, 51 yards (17 longest); 2-point conversion run
Up next — 4:25 Sunday vs. Green Bay, CBS
On PUP list
Houston left tackle Charlie Heck (undisclosed injury)
On practice squad
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Andre Smith (has played 1 game and recorded 1 tackle)
New York Giants linebacker Tomon Fox
Waived during training camp
Fullback Jake Bargas by New Orleans
Defensive back Myles Dorn by Miami
Cornerback Kyler McMichael by Arizona
Wide receiver Dazz Newsome by San Francisco
Nose tackle Raymond Vohasek by Jacksonville
Other free agents
Aaron Crawford, defensive tackle — Baltimore released him in training camp before last season; the New York Giants signed him Nov. 8 but released him the next day.
Jalen Dalton, defensive tackle — Atlanta waived him on June 7 (he had 8 tackles, 5 assists in 7 games for the Falcons last season), Carolina claimed him June 8 but waived him June 12 with a failed physical designation.
Jeremiah Gemmel, linebacker — San Francisco released him early last season, then Denver signed and later released him.
Bug Howard, tight end — Tampa Bay released him during training camp last season on an injury settlement. He signed with the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars on Feb. 8 but they put him on the inactive list on March 19.
Austin Proehl, wide receiver — The New York Giants released him last season during training camp. He played this spring for the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks. In nine games, he caught 25 passes for 225 yards and one touchdown.
Robert Quinn, defensive tackle — His contract expired after finishing last season with Philadelphia. The 33-year-old veteran played 13 games, with seven starts, eight tackles (1 for a loss), two assists and one sack.
Jordan Tucker, defensive tackle — Pittsburgh released him during 2022 training camp. He signed with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders in the offseason and didn’t make the roster in preseason but is back on their roster.
Antonio Williams, running back — He was briefly on the New York Giants’ practice squad last season but was released on Oct. 5. He signed on Feb. 13 with the CFL’s BC Lions, who released him on June 27.
Photo via @Commanders
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