The Washington Commanders had their backs against the wall on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers. Things threatened to turn ugly after a dismal first half, but a strong second-half rally almost led to a major comeback.
Ultimately, they fell short. But above all else, this showed how much the players are still fighting for head coach Dan Quinn.
And that is precisely what majority owner Josh Harris needed to see after their Week 5 debacle.
A loss is a loss, and there are no moral victories in the NFL. Even so, the Commanders showed some character, but until they put in a complete performance for four quarters, the same poor trend will continue.
Quinn now gets the chance to take stock at the bye week. It's some at a good time, and if the Commanders can make the desired improvements, they are not out of the fight in what's quickly become a disastrous NFC East.
That's for the future. For now, here are three winners and five losers from Washington's loss at Levi's Stadium.
Winners and losers from the Washington Commanders' defeat to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6
Loser No. 1
Quan Martin - Commanders DB
Patience is wearing thin with Quan Martin. The defensive back has looked lost for most of the season, and the Commanders didn't get much from him in this one either. Daronte Jones is using him sparingly these days, but when the Illinois product is on the field, he is actively targeted as a weak link.
Martin's days in Washington will likely be done when the campaign concludes. The 2023 second-round pick is out of contract, and clearly hasn't done enough to warrant another financial commitment. With Nick Cross back in the lineup after an internal injury, he should move to the fringes.
He has lost confidence in himself and in the coaching staff. That was always a risk after his dismal 2025, but the Commanders opted to ride it out, hoping he could turn things around under Jones' guidance.
It hasn't gone well, and it'll take a massive turnaround to alter perceptions from here.
Winner No. 1
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
The Commanders have no hope without Jayden Daniels. They looked down and out after an abysmal first half, but the quarterback dragged them back from the brink with an exceptional second-half performance that made things extremely interesting down the stretch.
San Francisco did a good job of restricting Daniels' rushing lanes. It didn't matter, with the signal-caller standing in the pocket and pushing the ball downfield with urgency and conviction.
When he got time in the pocket, Daniels made things happen. Sadly for the player and Washington, the offensive line crumbled in key moments, and costly penalties denied them what would have been a memorable comeback triumph.
Even so, Daniels delivered another impressive performance, his second in succession since returning from a dislocated elbow. He'll need all this and more to move forward without Terry McLaurin.
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