Winner No. 1
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders were second-best throughout their joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens. However, there were a few flickers of positive light amid the almost constant doom and gloom.
Finding them was difficult, but according to reports, third-year cornerback Mike Sainristil had a confidence-boosting day.
It's a big season upcoming for Sainristil. His ability to create turnovers remains strong, as evidenced by his interception off quarterback Lamar Jackson to conclude the session. The Michigan product was sticky in coverage in one-on-one drills, and his relentless approach caught the eye.
With second-year corner Trey Amos' status uncertain, Sainristil will be integral to the Commanders' hopes. He's gained a feast-or-famine reputation over his first two seasons in the league, so finding the right balance is crucial. Fortunately, Daronte Jones' teaching seems to be having a positive impact on his overall performance levels.
If the same trend continues, the Commanders might be onto something.
Loser No. 2
Commanders offensive line
Who saw this coming?
Almost everybody.
There are grave concerns around the offensive line. Not having a five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil available due to a torn triceps is a hammer blow to their chances. With projected starting center Nick Allegretti also on the shelf after reaggravating his calf strain, the strength in depth just isn't there to cope effectively enough.
Joint practice was a disaster for the protection in front of quarterback Jayden Daniels. The timing was off, they didn't look like a cohesive unit, and the Ravens' defensive front got almost whatever they wanted.
This has gone on for long enough.
The Commanders didn't do enough over the offseason to improve this critical unit, and they are already paying a price. If general manager Adam Peters doesn't realize that by now, he's in the wrong job.
Protecting Daniels is the key to Washington's season, and they are falling desperately short right now.
Winner No. 2
Sonny Styles - Commanders LB
Sonny Styles has taken some ridiculous criticism on social media for just a handful of preseason snaps. The No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft hasn't done much wrong upon further examination of the game film, but that hasn't stopped some asinine takes from surfacing before he's even played a competitive snap.
Styles is focusing on what he can control. He's still learning, still developing, and still picking up the increased pace of the NFL. And even though it wasn't perfect during joint practice with the Ravens, the Ohio State product more than held his own.
The Commanders put a lot on Styles' plate, and he rose to the occasion. His coverage skills were once again on full display, which might be his biggest strength coming into his rookie campaign. His anticipation is also improving, as evidenced by his stuffing running back Derrick Henry on a screen pass.
This was a positive step for the linebacker. And the next litmus test will be Week 1.
Add us as a preferred source on Google