Trailing 18 points in the first half, Sam Howell rallied the Washington Commanders to victory and showed the league his poise, accuracy and arm strength. Howell made a terrific pinpoint throw into double coverage to the end zone in the third quarter for a 30-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin to tie the game early in the second half. Washington held on for a 35–33 victory Sunday at Denver.
Category: NFL
Tar Heels in NFL: Sam Howell throws for one TD, runs for another to lead Washington victory
There was room to grow for Washington quarterback Sam Howell in his first NFL start as QB1 on Sunday, but at least he got a victory. Howell rebounded from an interception and a costly fumble to throw for one touchdown and run for another as the Commanders earned a 20–16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday in the opener for both teams.
Tar Heels in NFL: Big expectations for Howell; Williams returns (but may be limited); others move up depth charts
The biggest spotlights will be on Sam Howell and Javonte Williams as the NFL season starts this week, but rookies such as Josh Downs will also be worth watching. Dyami Brown may get more chances early this season, and three other UNC alums moved up on depth charts leading up to this weekend’s openers.
Tar Heels in NFL: Green makes cut in Detroit after big game, but seven others waived
NFL teams waived seven former UNC players in the last week, many on Tuesday when rosters had to be trimmed to 53 players ahead of season openers the weekend after next. Rookie wide receiver Antoine Green was among those making the cut after an impressive final exhibition game for the Detroit Lions.
Howell impressive again, connects with Dyami Brown on TD pass
Sam Howell turned in another efficient performance Monday in his first exhibition game appearance since Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera officially named the second-year quarterback his starter. His big night was topped when he connected with former UNC teammate Dyami Brown for one of two touchdown passes he threw in the final 1:49 of the first half.
Tar Heels in NFL: Williams has productive return; several getting extended looks thanks to 90-man rosters throughout preseason
Javonte Williams made his preseason debut for the Denver Broncos after his long recovery from right knee surgery and declared that he is 100%. His performance was productive for the number of snaps he got — 12 rushing yards on three carries and four catches for 18 yards — and just being back on the field for the Broncos’ 21–20 exhibition loss Saturday at San Francisco was huge.
Tar Heels in NFL: Versatile Downs looks good in Colts debut; Richards starts for Cowboys
In his debut wearing an NFL uniform, Josh Downs made a case to start for the Indianapolis Colts and, at the very least, showed he’ll get on the field consistently in his rookie season. In his Colts’ 23–19 road exhibition loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, he caught both passes targeted to him for 29 yards, including an 18-yard reception, and also showed his versatility on his 22nd birthday.
Tar Heels in NFL: Howell looks sharp as he adjusts to new Washington system
Sam Howell looked good in his first game as an NFL starter, playing a little more than a quarter. Howell completed 9 of 12 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown for a 119.1 rating in 19 snaps over three drives as the Washington Commanders won their exhibition opener Friday at Cleveland 17–15.
Surratt snags interception in exhibition opener
Chazz Surratt came into his third NFL season with a shot at finally getting playing time and he didn’t do anything to hurt his chances on Thursday night. Surratt, who was on the New York Jets’ practice squad most of last season, had an interception and three tackles Thursday night in the Jets’ 21–16 loss to the Cleveland Browns in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.
Tar Heels in NFL: Howell leads Washingon past Dallas, throwing for one TD and running for another
Sam Howell couldn’t have started his NFL career much better. His first professional pass in a regular-season game went for a 16-yard touchdown play. More importantly, he led the Washington Commanders to a 26–6 home victory Sunday over their rival Dallas Cowboys and was given the game ball from Coach Ron Rivera after the game.