2 winners (and 5 losers) from Commanders' ghastly loss against the Falcons

Loser No. 2

Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB

The Washington Commanders have a big problem with veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore. He's way too inconsistent to be counted upon. And the most concerning element of all centers on his lost fear factor.

Lattimore is no longer viewed as one of the league's most prolific shutdown corners. Teams were extremely wary about throwing in his direction once upon a time. Now, they are actively targeting him as a weak link. That isn't what the Commanders had in mind when they struck a bombshell trade for the defensive back before the 2024 deadline.

There is no injury to give Lattimore the benefit of the doubt anymore. He's getting burned deep and struggles to cope with speedy wide receivers in coverage. He's conceded six penalties and three completions of more than 15 yards. It's one step forward and two steps back, which only adds to the frustration.

If the same trend continues, Adam Peters has a big decision to make.

Winner No. 1

Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR

With Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown out of the game through injury, the Commanders needed other wide receivers to step up. And there was one obvious candidate above all else.

The Commanders had to make Deebo Samuel Sr. a focal point. This was especially significant when they found themselves in an early hole. Although it didn't have a substantial impact on the final score, the versatile wideout's performance was a shining light amid the disappointment.

Samuel brought in all six of his targets for 72 receiving yards. This included a phenomenal touchdown grab late in the game that gave the Commanders a glimmer of hope. He gained nine rushing yards on three touches, but the ground game was negated by Atlanta's comprehensive advantage.

Washington's decision to send a fifth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for Samuel looks like an absolute steal right now. Hopefully, this trend continues throughout the campaign.

Loser No. 3

Bobby Wagner - Commanders LB

Bobby Wagner got his tackles again, finishing with a team-high 10 versus the Falcons. However, this was the first time since he joined the Commanders that the future Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker had looked his age.

Wagner is still a stout force against the run. He is a supreme organizer and communicator. But when it comes to coverage tasks, he's quickly becoming a weak link. And the Falcons had no trouble exploiting it.

The pre-snap motions confused Washington's defense, not for the first time this season. Wagner was exposed. He doesn't have the explosiveness these days to keep up with quicker offensive players. And for the most part, it was tough to watch.

This wasn't Wagner's best afternoon. He'll know that, and will be eager to right this wrong at SoFi Stadium this weekend. But the Commanders need to find solutions to protect the 10-time Pro Bowler in obvious passing situations.