Loser No. 4
Chris Paul - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders have some problems along the offensive line. This is especially evident on the interior, and Chris Paul was a primary catalyst behind their Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Paul got a new one-year deal this offseason, but the lack of interest in the player when free agency hit was telling. Had left tackle Laremy Tunsil not gotten hurt, he may not have started the year, and his lackluster opening to the campaign turns up the heat in no uncertain terms.
The Tulsa product couldn't anchor effectively. He was immediately pushed back onto Jayden Daniels, which caused his awkward fall and dislocated elbow. Paul is too slow to get out on screen passes, and clear confidence issues are blighting his game right now.
Washington doesn't have much else behind Paul, which might be his saving grace. But it already looks like no new deal will come his way in 2027.
Winner No. 3
Marcus Mariota - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels' injury was a devastating blow. It sapped the morale the Commanders were building after a sensational first half from the signal-caller, and another dislocated elbow raises more questions than answers about Washington's future.
Veteran backup Marcus Mariota, not for the first time in recent years, had to fill in for Daniels. It was a difficult situation, but the Oregon product performed pretty well overall.
Mariota is still athletic enough that the Commanders don't have to change their scheme much. He looked poised in the pocket, despite the offensive line struggles. He protected the football, and things would have been better had the officials not inexplicably waved off a Dyami Brown touchdown.
Still, with an 84.0 QBR and 109.1 passer rating, Mariota was solid when he came into the fold. And given Daniels is now set for an extended spell on the sidelines, the Commanders need him to step up even more.
Otherwise, things will completely spiral.
Loser No. 5
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
The Commanders called out Mike Sainristil publicly after a horrific performance against the Eagles. Dan Quinn, Daronte Jones, and even general manager Adam Peters demanded more from the 2024 second-round pick, but their words did not have the desired effect.
Dallas knew Sainristil was a weak link. Dak Prescott targeted him heavily, and the Cowboys seemingly got whatever they wanted against the cornerback. CeeDee Lamb torched him all game, and the Commanders' secondary suffered as a result.
This is a big problem. The Commanders took Sainristil out of the firing line briefly, using him only in nickel packages, after some early jitters. But when he did get back involved, the same complications emerged.
Patience was already wearing thin with Sainristil even before this game. His spot in the starting lineup must be in jeopardy now, which is sad to see for someone who came into the league with so much promise.
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