The Washington Commanders looked to erase last week's embarrassment against the New York Giants in their prime-time clash with the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Dan Quinn promised a better performance with plenty of heart, but seeing is believing.
It was a game of two halves. But the Commanders were on the wrong end of the result yet again.
Nobody gave the Commanders a shot. The Niners were unbeaten at 5-0 on home soil against a team facing significant complications. But when this team has its back against the wall, it tends to perform much better.
Quinn's job security has been a big talking point this week. Josh Harris didn't make any drastic changes, but he'll be watching how this squad responds to severe criticism and ridicule.
As it turned out, a late rally from the Commanders was not enough to negate some early failures, and tthe Niners stayed unbeaten
With that in mind, here are some instant reactions to Washington's RESULT at Levi's Stadium.
Instant reactions from the Washington Commanders' loss to the San Francisco 49ers
Commanders' defense got in a hole early
The Commanders couldn't afford a sluggish start defensively against the Niners. Unfortunately, that's what happened.
Kyle Shanahan had defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' number during the opening exchanges. The scripted plays had the desired effect, with the Niners scoring two touchdowns on their opening two drives.
They got whatever they wanted, and the Commanders were stuck between generating pressure and leaving enough men back in coverage.
That's a dangerous place to be.
For a team that typically starts games well defensively, this was deeply disappointing. The Commanders were in an early hole, exactly where they didn't want to be.
Terry McLaurin's injury concern
Terry McLaurin has struggled to stay healthy since his long contract standoff with the Commanders last year. But the wide receiver's latest injury concern is the most serious yet.
McLaurin went down with a non-contact injury and immediately clutched his knee. The Commanders' medical staff placed it in an air cast, and they carted the Ohio State product off the field. He was instantly ruled out for the remainder of the game, and it looks like it might be a lot longer than that.
If this is an ACL, McLaurin's season is done. And with rumors already swirling about his future in Washington beyond 2026, this only clouds the situation.
Commanders' penalty woes continued
The Commanders promised to cut down on the penalties they were conceding. Apparently, the hard work was done, and everyone was eager to stop shooting themselves in the foot.
Saying it and doing it are two very different things.
The Commanders were not disciplined. They coughed up penalties in critical moments again, and it spoke to the complete lack of functionality this team is going through right now.
It's completely unacceptable, and everyone is at fault. One can blame the players, and they'd be right. But this ultimately falls on coaching as well. And it is costing the Commanders in the worst way imaginable.
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