The Washington Commanders needed to beat the New York Giants. For a while, it looked like they would accomplish this objective with minimal fuss. But not for the first time over the last couple of years, they shot themselves in the foot.
This time, frustration is clearly boiling over.
Head coach Dan Quinn is under fire for his abysmal clock management in trying to end the game. It was another embarrassing stain on his recent record, and some fans are now calling for change. The mood after the game was somber, and the body language displayed after the clock ran down told fans all they needed to know.
The Commanders had complete control of this game. They were up 14 points in the fourth quarter and seemed to be coasting to their second win. Disaster followed, and there is a lot of blame to go around.
With the San Francisco 49ers next up on Monday Night Football, things could get worse before they get better. And even though they didn't lose this one, it sure does feel like it.
It'll take a lot to turn things around from here. Before then, here are three winners and five losers from the Commanders' tie with the Giants.
Winners and losers from the Washington Commanders' embarrassing tie against the New York Giants
Loser No. 1
Dyami Brown - Commanders WR
With wide receiver Stefon Diggs missing the game with a hamstring injury, the Commanders needed someone else to step up. This was especially significant with Terry McLaurin on a snap count, though he did finish as the team's leading receiver.
That says little about the performances of others. Dyami Brown is among those failing to meet expectations. He doesn't create separation, lacks confidence, and almost cost the Commanders with an inexcusable fumble late in the contest that he fortunately recovered.
Brown offers next to nothing. Bringing him back for another go-around was a risk worth taking, but the same frustrating pattern of his first four years in Washington is unfolding before our eyes.
And it's simply not good enough.
Winner No. 1
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
While things haven't gone quite according to plan for running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt to start Year 2 of his professional career, he had a good record against the Giants as a rookie. That gave him the confidence needed for his best statistical game of the season by far.
Croskey-Merritt managed to break off big yardage when he got around the edges. Things were more difficult between the tackles, but it was a largely pleasing performance overall.
Even so, the Commanders only gave him 11 carries, and they seemed to trust Rachaad White more when things got tight down the stretch. It's clear the Arizona product is still winning back trust.
On a day when things completely unraveled in the most laughable way late on, Croskey-Merritt's performance will get overlooked. But he was a genuine bright spot for a team in desperate need of inspiration.
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