The Washington Commanders are still fighting with everything they have as spoilers down the stretch. Unfortunately, fight isn't enough when there is such an apparent lack of talent across the board.
That was once again evident during their latest defeat. The Commanders went into halftime against the Philadelphia Eagles with a slender advantage, but the same problems that have caused their demise this season kept cropping up. Nick Sirianni's squad ran out as comfortable winners to clinch the NFC East, and the frustrations were evident.
Tempers flared. Players lost their cool. But at the end of the day, the Commanders only have themselves to blame once again.
This leaves Washington at 4-11 with two contests left. Quinn is trying valiantly to keep his team motivated. Still, there is no time to wallow in pity with a Christmas Day clash against the Dallas Cowboys upcoming to conclude their regular-season engagements at Northwest Stadium.
Fans are already looking ahead, which is the most depressing thing of all after so many expectations at the start of 2025. Before then, here are two winners and five losers from the Commanders' latest defeat.
Winners and losers from the Commanders' woeful Week 16 defeat against the Eagles
Loser No. 1
Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders' defense has undergone significant hardship this season. Fans thought things were improving slightly when head coach Dan Quinn took over play-calling duties from Joe Whitt Jr., but the talent just isn't there. Massive changes are coming to the playing personnel this offseason, and it would be a disappointment if general manager Adam Peters didn't undertake a complete defensive overhaul.
There are very few who should consider their spots safe next season. Noah Igbinoghene's fate is becoming a foregone conclusion. The veteran cornerback has been getting more involved in recent weeks after the injuries to four-time Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore and second-round rookie Trey Amos. That's a positive, but this performance is one he won't want to remember for too long.
Igbinoghene looked a step off the pace in coverage more often than not. He was routed up almost constantly by the wide receiver tandem of DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown. The Auburn product's tackling technique also left a lot to be desired, although he was far from alone in that regard.
Speculation was rampant that the Commanders might shop Igbinoghene for a trade before the season and at the 2025 trade deadline. Couple this with his indifferent efforts when tasked with significant responsibilities, and it's not hard to see what the future holds once the season mercifully comes to an end.