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.
Loser No. 2
Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DL
The Washington Commanders took a big chance on Javon Kinlaw during the offseason. He was coming off a subpar year with the New York Jets, and things didn't go well with the San Francisco 49ers, either. That didn't stop general manager Adam Peters from handing him a three-year, $45 million contract, with $30 million guaranteed.
Peters felt there was still some untapped potential within the 2020 first-round pick out of South Carolina. Aside from a few flashes of dominance, it's been largely underwhelming. That is a big problem.
Kinlaw talks like an All-Pro, but the consistency in the firing line is nowhere near the required standard. He struggles to gain leverage or stand his ground against the run. There is almost no pressure being generated from the interior. His frustrations reached a breaking point during a scuffle late in the contest, leading to his ejection.
He'll be back next season. However, it's starting to look like Washington won't get a return on its investment.
Winner No. 1
Bobby Wagner - Commanders LB
Once again, there were very few positives to take from the contest. The Commanders were second best for most of the game, and even though they held an advantage at the break, they never looked capable of holding onto it.
Even so, the performance of veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner was a shining light amid the gloom. Age might be catching up to the future first ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer, but he's not going down without a fight. And this was, by a considerable margin, his most accomplished overall contribution of the campaign.
It wasn't enough for the Commanders to stay competitive, but Wagner couldn't have done much more to turn the tide. He was a driving force from start to finish, always around the action and frequently disrupting plays in the Eagles' backfield.
If others had played even close to Wagner's level, the Commanders might have salvaged something from the contest.
Loser No. 3
Anyone against Jordan Davis
This was the first time the Commanders got to lock horns with a new, slender-looking Jordan Davis. The Philadelphia Eagles' defensive line interior presence reportedly lost 26 pounds over the offseason in pursuit of becoming a three-down force. Given his efforts throughout the campaign, it was a shrewd decision on the player's part.
The Commanders had no answer for Davis. Although the offensive line has been a rare bright spot in 2025, it found life extremely difficult against the former Georgia standout. He was relentless throughout, blowing past anyone unfortunate enough to be in his path to overwhelm Washington's protection completely.
This display of dominance was even more impressive when one considers Jalen Carter was out due to injury. It's also a reminder of how desperate the Commanders are for a genuine game-wrecker like this along their defensive line interior. Depending on what happens with Daron Payne, this should be among Adam Peters' most pressing offseason priorities.
Loser No. 4
Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
Fans were expecting to see a lot more of Ben Sinnott as a focal point offensively with Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz out for the season with a torn ACL. His huge play late in last weekend's win over the New York Giants only raised encouragement about what he could accomplish from a starting role.
That was a step forward for Sinnott. Unfortunately, the 2024 second-round pick took a step back against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sinnott got two targets, bringing in one for five receiving yards. The former Kansas State standout found it much more difficult from a blocking perspective against the Eagles' defensive front seven. He wasn't the only player who failed to meet expectations, but if he wants to cement his status as the top tight end next season, much more is required down the stretch.
The No. 53 pick last year has got two games left to prove he's capable of having significant responsibilities on his shoulders. But the jury is still well and truly out on that.
Winner No. 2
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
It was honestly difficult to pick out anyone aside from Bobby Wagner as a standout for the Commanders in Week 16. There were a few flashes from those who've been on the fringes this season, but it was another subpar effort that left far more questions than answers.
Although his performance was far from perfect once again, Mike Sainristil was at least trying to make things happen. The feisty cornerback got things rolling in the best possible way with a forced fumble on the game's opening kickoff. He's been the only constant source of turnovers this season, which is a damnining indictment of how things have unfolded for Dan Quinn's defense in 2025.
Sainristil has some coverage issues, but he held his own more often than not. He came up with an impressive pass breakup and was never found wanting for effort. It wasn't easy to keep spirits high, so the fact that he kept driving himself and his teammates forward was a positive.
Loser No. 5
Quan Martin - Commanders S
Quan Martin had progressed effectively in recent weeks. However, the safety's glaring flaws were exposed almost constantly by the Philadelphia Eagles during another dismal evening at the office.
Martin was expected to be a legitimate breakout star for the Commanders this season. The defensive back has regressed in almost every area and has failed to find the consistency needed when it mattered.
These flaws were evident throughout Washington's loss to the Eagles. Nick Sirianni's squad knew precisely how to attack the 2023 second-round pick. They knew he was flawed against the run and struggled to wrap up oncoming runners. And just like defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, his frustrations got the better of him late with an ejection after punches were thrown.
What the future holds for Martin beyond this season is anyone's guess. He's got one more year of his rookie deal. He could stick around in some capacity, but it wouldn't be shocking to see Adam Peters hit the reset button on the defensive back end.