The scene at Northwest Stadium for the Washington Commanders' divisional rivalry clash with the Dallas Cowboys typified their season. Stands weren't exactly at full capacity, and the same glaring problems that have held head coach Dan Quinn's squad back throughout the campaign reared their head en route to a 12th loss of 2025.
For a team that was expected to mount another deep playoff run, this represents a disaster of epic proportions. Quinn's job is not under threat right now, but if massive improvements aren't made during the offseason and into the 2026 campaign, seats are going to get warm across the board in Washington.
The Cowboys aren't playing for much, either. But they took an early lead and never relinquished it, despite the Commanders fighting until the end. Everything seemed to be against Quinn's under-strength team, and there is only one more game to navigate before the investigation into what went wrong and what measures could be implemented to improve performance begins.
It's a nervy time for players. The same goes for some of the coaching staff, especially if Quinn fires defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. as expected. The atmosphere at Northwest Stadium signified that the fan base had already given up on the season. But what comes next for this ambitious project is of the utmost importance.
Before then, here are three winners and four losers from Washington's painful defeat to its most hated rival.
Winners and losers from the Commanders' painful Christmas loss to the Cowboys
Loser No. 1
Quan Martin - Commanders S
It's easy to make Quan Martin a scapegoat. His underperformance when a breakout campaign was expected is a microcosm of how things have unfolded for the Washington Commanders this season. And he won't want to look back on Week 17 for too long, that's for sure.
Martin remains a weak link on Washington's backend defense. His positional sense in coverage support is nowhere near the required standard. He's hesitant and technically flawed in the tackling department, which opposing offenses exploit with alarming success. This was another glimpse of his failures throughout the campaign, which won't go unnoticed by those in positions of power when the time comes to assess the roster.
The 2023 second-round pick out of Illinois might get the chance to stick around on the final year of his rookie deal. However, that shouldn't prevent the Commanders from finding the upgrades they need to put his starting spot in serious doubt.
This isn't what anyone envisaged for Martin, but the flaws are undeniable.
Winner No. 1
Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
With right guard Sam Cosmi going to injured reserve, the Washington Commanders had to think on their feet. And perhaps surprisingly to some fans, those in power went with Nick Allegretti over Andrew Wylie to start the contest against the Dallas Cowboys.
Allegretti hasn't been seen much since he was benched after two games. The veteran Super Bowl winner looked down and out, cast aside as an afterthought as others stepped into the breach. It's only one game, but the former Illinois college prospect made his chance for extended reps count in no uncertain terms.
He was assured and consistent. Allegretti also proved highly adaptable when Tyler Biadasz got hurt, moving into the center position. The Commanders had a lot of problems, but he was among the rare bright spots amid the doom and gloom.
This might not prevent Allegretti from being released this offseason. However, this should ensure he gets another opportunity elsewhere.
Loser No. 2
Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DL
The Commanders went against the grain by handing Javon Kinlaw a three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed this offseason. Adam Peters and Dan Quinn identify the interior defensive lineman as the player capable of filling the void left by Jonathan Allen, who was released with one year remaining on his deal. It hasn't gone well.
Kinlaw is a big talker. Unfortunately, there isn't much substance attached when it comes to the crunch. The Commanders were expecting him to be a No. 1 alpha option with Payne on the sidelines. His inability to make plays against the run, coupled with almost no consistent pressure on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, made this another outing he'll want to forget in a hurry.
The egregious contract given to Kinlaw this offseason guarantees he will be around next season. But make no mistake; the South Carolina product is firmly on the hot seat.
Winner No. 2
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
All eyes were on Johnny Newton as the Commanders allowed him to showcase what he could do from a prominent role on the defensive line interior. Daron Payne was missing from the clash, which provided another chance amid diminishing momentum in his long-term outlook.
The Commanders got a taste of what Newton is. He managed to catch the eye in pass-rushing situations en route to three sacks, but his lackluster ability to stand his ground against the run was once again evident.
This is what Newton is, for good or bad. There hasn't been much to suggest otherwise throughout his two-year stint with the Commanders. Unless there is significant play strength added and better awareness to improve run fits this offseason, the coaching staff will likely keep him as a pass-rushing specialist when the 2026 campaign arrives.
Regardless, this was Newton's best game in terms of production since being taken as the No. 36 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Loser No. 3
Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders' cornerback unit was a glaring frustration throughout Week 17. Whether it was largely down to the zone scheme is up for debate, but it's clear that a significant rethink is needed in this critical area of the field for Dan Quinn's squad to stand any chance of bouncing back in 2026.
Noah Igbinoghene did not have a good afternoon at the office. It was always going to be difficult against the high-octane Dallas Cowboys passing attack. Even so, his indifferent run support and lackluster coverage capabilities became his undoing in key moments.
The Commanders have a massive decision to make with Igbinoghene this offseason. Washington is going to make significant changes to its personnel. The former Auburn standout is out of contract, and this substandard effort is not going to do his chances of earning another deal when the time comes to decide his future.
Winner No. 3
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders WR
The Commanders didn't have Chris Rodriguez Jr. available after he sustained an illness in the hours leading up to the contest. Although disappointing, that left rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt with the opportunity to showcase what he can do from a prominent role.
It was a meteoric rise for the No. 245 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft earlier this season. Croskey-Merritt tailed off significantly after that, but there have been signs of life down the stretch. He put that on full display once again against the Cowboys.
On another disappointing afternoon at the office overall, Croskey-Merritt quickly emerged as a shining light. The first-year pro only gained 11 carries throughout the contest as the Commanders chased down a deficit. Still, his 105 rushing yards and one highlight-reel touchdown represent a solid platform to potentially end the campaign on a high note in Week 18.
Croskey-Merritt has a bright future in Washington. This strong end to the campaign confirms it.
Loser No. 4
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
There is no doubting the supreme impact made by veteran linebacker Frankie Luvu during his first campaign with the Commanders. The ferocious second-level enforcer became a revelation on and off the field for his vibrant approach and fearless demeanor that his teammates fed off. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case this time around.
Luvu's hasn't met the required standards this season. Dan Quinn's coaching staff needs to share some of the responsibility for putting him at edge rusher rather than off-ball linebacker. This isn't where the Washington State product is best suited, and he's struggled to find any rhythm during the campaign.
This was evident once again versus a Dallas offense that seemed to get whatever it wanted in critical moments. Luvu is unusually hesitant these days, and he also lacks the positional nuance to be in the correct position to make plays. That's a bad combination.