NFL power rankings roundup: Where are the Commanders after their first loss?

The Washington Commanders were flying high one week ago. Washington was moving up in the various NFL power rankings after a 35-33 come-from-behind win over the Denver Broncos. One set of power rankings had Washington at No. 8.

However, things came crashing down on Sunday as the Commanders were humiliated by the Buffalo Bills, 37-3, for their first loss of the season.

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What went wrong? Virtually everything. Quarterback Sam Howell was sacked nine times, and the Commanders turned the ball over five times.

After being humbled by the Bills, things don’t get any easier for Washington. The Commanders have a date with the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4.

So where is Washington in this week’s power rankings rounds up?

ESPN

Cody Barton #57 of the Washington Commanders reacts after a play during the first half in the game against the Buffalo Bills. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

Ranking: No. 17

Last week: No. 12

Sam Howell has been sacked an NFL-high 19 times — six more than any other quarterback. He’s been pressured on 36.6% of his passes, fifth highest — this despite being blitzed only 20.3% of the time, second lowest. After a nine-sack game, Bills defenders said they noticed he holds the ball too long at times. But it extends beyond that: The line has not protected him well enough; he’s getting hit after he throws too often. Other times it’s a slower developing play that leads to trouble with no receiver open or looking back before he’s sacked. — John Keim

NFL.com

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) scrambles from Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Ranking: No. 22

Last week: No. 19

It was surprising to see Sam Howell force as many bad passes and take as many sacks as he did against Buffalo, even taking into account his lack of experience (and knowing the biggest knock on him coming out of North Carolina was that he needed to feel pressure better). He straight up held onto the ball for ages on a few of his nine sacks Sunday, and while two of the four picks came with Washington facing a big deficit, this was as poorly as we’ve seen Howell play. It also should be concerning that both lines of scrimmage were owned by the Bills. Buffalo dominating Washington’s O-line wasn’t a shock. As for the Commanders’ defensive line, though, Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen and Chase Young generated some pressure, but it certainly wasn’t enough to turn the game in Washington’s favor.

USA TODAY

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) scrambles past Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91). Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Ranking: No. 25

Last week: No. 23

They – namely QB Sam Howell (4 INTs) – got exposed in a 37-3 rout by Buffalo … but at least they staved off the first shutout of the Ron Rivera era with a last-minute field goal. Yawn.

Yahoo Sports

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) is pressured by Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd (56). Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Ranking: No. 17

Last week: No. 16

Sacks are often blamed on the offensive line, but it’s at least as much of a quarterback stat. Sam Howell has taken 19 sacks, six more than any other quarterback, this season. He’s on pace to shatter the record of 76, set by David Carr in 2002. Howell does some good things, but if he can’t figure out how to process and get rid of the ball quicker, he’s not going to make it as a starter in the NFL.

Touchdown Wire

Washington Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller (29) intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis (13). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Ranking: No. 15

Last week: No. 12

Well that was ugly, wasn’t it. The Commanders’ offense didn’t just come back down to Earth, they plummeted like D.B. Cooper out of a plane after a heist. They have their first of two matchups with the Eagles this coming weekend.

CBS Sports

Washington Commanders fans react during the game against the Buffalo Bills. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

Ranking: No. 15

Last week: No. 8

Was that loss to the Bills who the Commanders really are as a team? Sam Howell looked bad, throwing four picks and getting sacked nine times. Not a good sign.

Bleacher Report

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Ranking: No. 18

Last week: No. 15

Believe it or not, Commanders quarterback Sam Howell came into Washington’s Week 3 matchup with the Buffalo Bills having never lost a start in the NFL.

That streak is over.

Bluntly put, Howell was atrocious against the Bills. It wasn’t entirely his fault as Washington’s offensive line was abused by Buffalo to the tune of nine sacks. But Howell threw four interceptions in the game and posted a passer rating of 41.5.

Despite the awful performance, Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin came to the defense of his quarterback while talking to reporters after the game.

“I just let him know that we’ve still got his back,” McLaurin said. “He’s still growing at the quarterback position, being our QB1. At the same time, he holds himself to a high standard and we hold him to a high standard. I know he is going to look at himself in the mirror and see how he can get better. It was a tough day for all of us, not just him. You’re going to have tough days at the office. Some uglier than others. But that’s what makes this grind so much sweeter. When you correct the thing you did wrong and next week you’re able to show improvement.”

Things don’t get any easier from here—next week the Commanders travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles.

And if Howell has another game like Week 3, the calls for Jacoby Brissett to take over under center are going to start.

Pro Football Talk

Sam Howell #14 of the Washington Commanders is stopped by Terrel Bernard #43 of the Buffalo Bills. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

Ranking: No. 16

Last week: No. 15

“That boy is an I-N-T.”

Sporting News

Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Commanders]. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

Ranking: No. 20

Last week: No. 16

The Commanders crashed to earth against the Bills at home with Sam Howell wilting against a good defense and the fundamental issues with pass rush and coverage breaking down on the other side, too.

The Athletic

Kendall Fuller #29 of the Washington Commanders tackles Stefon Diggs #14 of the Buffalo Bills. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

Ranking: No. 20

Last week: No. 12

The wheels came flying off the Sam Howell bandwagon Sunday. The fifth-round pick was 11th in the league in passing yards through two weeks (501). He had three touchdowns and one interception, and the Commanders were 2-0. Then Howell threw four interceptions against the Bills. Only five quarterbacks have thrown that many this season (and two of those are Justin Fields and Zach Wilson). Howell has been pressured on a league-high 15.4 percent of his dropbacks, but plenty of that is on him for holding the ball too long.

Pro Football Network

Damien Harris #22 of the Buffalo Bills runs the ball during the second quarter of a game against the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Ranking: No. 19

Last week: No. 14

Sam Howell took his lumps today against an outstanding Buffalo defense. Young players develop differently. Will throwing four interceptions and being sacked nine times become a learning experience for Howell, or will it cripple his confidence early in his second NFL season?