3 winners (and 4 losers) from Commanders' defeat at the Ravens in Week 6

Winner No. 3

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

Jayden Daniels accumulated more national media attention than most heading into Week 6. The rookie quarterback's remarkable start to his NFL career was about to get its first significant acid test at the Baltimore Ravens. He didn't seem phased by the challenge in front of him. In fact, he thrived once again.

Daniels couldn't have done much more to get the Washington Commanders to a memorable victory. The defense couldn't stop the Ravens from putting points up at will. The fact he was able to keep his team in the game for long periods is a testament to the signal-caller's outstanding poise and precision under center.

The Commanders couldn't get anything going on the ground without Brian Robinson Jr. This put the onus squarely on Daniels to do damage. It wasn't quite enough to achieve success, but it was another example of what a special player Washington has if others meet their end of the bargain.

The Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU finished the game with a 68.57 percent completion success for 269 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and an impressive 110.9 passer rating. Daniels also earned the respect of Baltimore's defense through toughness and plowing forward with supreme conviction in the face of adversity.

Loser No. 4

Daron Payne - Commanders DT

Daron Payne is among the Commanders' highest earners after getting a lucrative contract extension from the organization in 2023. The formidable defensive lineman put together a Pro Bowl campaign with money on the line. However, this looks to be an anomaly based on his production before and after the 2022 campaign.

Payne's not making the impact expected of someone paid so handsomely. He's held to a higher standard than most as a first-round pick counting $21.61 million against the salary cap. The Commanders needed him to step up and make a lasting contribution in Week 6 - especially after veteran Jonathan Allen went out with a pectoral issue. He was unable to meet these targets.

The Alabama product didn't register a single statistic at the Ravens. No tackles, no tackles for loss, and no sacks. This allowed Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to get whatever they wanted, making things incredibly difficult for the secondary en route to Washington's second loss of the campaign.

Washington needs more from Payne. He needs to get back to his 2022 form and become the physically imposing presence this defensive front desperately needs. Otherwise, a situation could emerge where general manager Adam Peters begins to look at him as a possible trade candidate.

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