Loser No. 4
Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT
It's been a rollercoaster rookie campaign for Josh Conerly Jr. The No. 29 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft came through a severe baptism of fire over the opening few games. The progression was evident in the weeks after, but there are occasions when the right tackle becomes completely overwhelmed.
Unfortunately for Conerly and the Washington Commanders, this game was one of them. The Oregon product struggled to cope with the relentless edge rushers at the Kansas City Chiefs' disposal. He was constantly pushed off his spot, and things would have been much worse if not for Marcus Mariota's ability to escape pressure.
There were also communication issues pre-snap. Who was at fault for a crucial sack on Mariota that all but sealed Washington's fate is debatable. But when the entire offensive line shifts to the left and Conerly goes to the right, that's where the blame inevitably goes.
The Commanders are taking the rough with the smooth with Conerly. He'll be better for these experiences in the long term. Even so, there is a lot of hard work ahead to raise consistency.
Winner No. 2
Jeremy McNichols - Commanders RB
The Commanders were unable to establish their credentials on the ground. Washington's offensive line failed to generate the push needed consistently enough, which was a task made more difficult by the formidable left tackle Laremy Tunsil going out of the game early with a hamstring injury.
That negated seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt's influence. However, another running back flashed immense promise as the campaign progressed.
Jeremy McNichols became a valuable outlet for veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota in the passing game. He was always looking for ways to get open once plays broke down. He took short completions for decent gains, displaying aggressive after-the-catch tendencies that kept Kansas City's defense on its toes.
McNichols keeps hanging around, and he's gradually increasing his influence. The former Boise State standout led the team with five receptions for 64 receiving yards. There was also a lot to like about his pass blocking when called upon — something that could see his role increase moving forward.
Loser No. 5
Joe Whitt Jr. - Commanders DC
It must have been encouraging for Joe Whitt Jr. to see his defense come out on Monday Night Football with their hair on fire. Two early interceptions of Patrick Mahomes had the unit flying around the field, making things extremely difficult for the Chiefs to generate any early momentum.
The man coverage scheme was working. Whitt's subtle changes to personnel brought more dynamism and explosiveness into the equation. But even after such an impressive start, it was still a tie game at the half.
Things completely flipped in the second period. Andy Reid made the required adjustments and knew precisely how to attack Washington's soft, aging underbelly. Whitt moved to a more zone coverage alignment, and it didn't take long for the cracks to show.
The Chiefs' offense got whatever they wanted in the second half. They controlled the clock, dictated the tempo, ran the football effectively, and successfully secured several explosive plays. The number of busted coverages was embarrassing, and the Commanders had no answer for veteran tight end Travis Kelce despite his advancing years.
Whitt was outcoached and outsmarted in the second half. It's that simple.