Loser No. 2
Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT
Josh Conerly Jr. had a daunting task ahead of him. The No. 29 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft was once again starting at right tackle against the vaunted Green Bay Packers' pass-rush, which now includes All-Pro Micah Parsons after his bombshell trade from the Dallas Cowboys.
Parsons has tormented the Washington Commanders throughout his career. It came as no surprise to see him do the same again, and mostly at Conerly's expense.
The former Oregon star just couldn't cope with the firepower being thrown at him. Conerly got beaten consistently, looking slow off the snap and unable to hold down a core base to counteract oncoming rushers. Once blocking tight end John Bates left the game due to injury, there was no help. This only made matters worse.
With Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders next up, the Commanders need to take a different approach with Conerly. He just doesn't look ready.
Winner No. 1
Commanders' special teams gunners
It wasn't all bad. The positives were extremely hard to find, but there were one or two areas that deserved credit from an otherwise woeful evening for the Commanders.
Arguably, the most positive element to emerge from the clash came from Percy Butler and Tyler Owens. Washington's two special teams gunners caught the eye throughout, displaying their explosiveness, straight-line speed, and tackling prowess to leave a considerable impression on proceedings.
Butler, who got a new one-year deal from the Commanders ahead of time this offseason, flashed enormous promise. The defensive back might be a liability on the defensive rotation, but he's carving out a niche for himself on special teams. This is the best way to enhance longevity.
The same goes for Owens, whose athleticism and physical attributes need no introduction. There was real urgency from the duo. If everyone else had followed suit, the result might have been different.
Loser No. 3
Will Harris - Commanders S
Not many players covered themselves in glory. The Commanders didn't look ready to play, outcoached and outclassed by a team perceived to be one of their playoff rivals. If they do end up meeting again in the knockout stage, that might be the end of the road for Washington.
Will Harris didn't exactly shine. The veteran safety played well on his debut for the club in Week 1. That was against the lowly New York Giants. When the competition increased, he struggled to make the same impression.
Harris failed to provide adequate coverage support on the backend. When he came to the second level to assist against the run, he couldn't get off blocks effectively enough. That's a dangerous combination that made the free-agent signing a non-factor.
There is a lot of pressure on Harris to deliver the goods. The Commanders are expecting him to fill the void left by Jeremy Chinn, and the standards have slipped on this showing.