Loser No. 2
Daron Payne - Commanders DT
The Washington Commanders needed their big performers to step up and make themselves known. Rivalry games like these are won and lost in the trenches, and Dan Quinn's squad was second-best on both sides of the ball.
On the defensive front, Javon Kinlaw played well. The same could not be said of Daron Payne, who couldn't get a foothold in the contest. There were also a few instances where his lack of legitimate effort was glaring.
That is completely unacceptable for Washington's longest-serving defensive player. Payne is also in a contract year, and based on the sample size right now, he's not going to get one.
This is a big problem, especially as Kinlaw left the game with a shoulder complication. If he is forced to miss time, which seems entirely possible, the onus will fall even more on Payne to lead from the front. And he'll have to be a whole lot better than this.
Winner No. 2
Rachaad White - Commanders RB
After an underwhelming Week 1 debut for the Commanders, running back Rachaad White looked much more like his old self against the Cowboys. His dual-threat qualities were on full display, and even though it was another poor result, his performance was a real bright spot amid the doom and gloom.
White looked explosive. He carried the ball with conviction and looked sharp out of his routes in the passing game.
With Jacory Croskey-Merritt struggling to generate positive momentum right now, the Commanders should consider giving the veteran more work. Because if this showing is any indication, he can produce when his number is called.
With 83 yards from scrimmage, the Arizona State product is moving in a positive direction. Things won't be easy without Jayden Daniels moving forward, but Marcus Mariota will need White as a security blanket when things aren't developing as expected downfield.
White had a good outing, which will be largely forgotten given the circumstances.
Loser No. 3
Leo Chenal - Commanders LB
The Commanders missed Frankie Luvu in Week 2. The veteran linebacker is not only an exceptional, inspirational leader, but he is also an outstanding pre-snap communicator. Asking rookie first-rounder Sonny Styles to take on this mantle is a lot, and free-agent signing Leo Chenal should have done much more to provide stability.
Chenal struggled against the Eagles. The same trend continued in Dallas, and something is still missing. For all his outstanding physical tools, he doesn't look especially comfortable right now.
The positional sense wasn't there. Chenal looked shaky in coverage, and though he finished with 12 tackles at AT&T Stadium, very few were consequential.
Hopefully, Luvu can shake off the groin issue in time for Washington's daunting Week 3 test against the Seattle Seahawks. If not, Chenal has to raise his game to provide the support Washington's defensive front needs.
It's not asking much, but Chenal is still struggling.
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