4 winners (and 3 losers) from Commanders' dramatic triumph at the Cowboys

In 2024, the Washington Commanders developed a flair for the dramatic. It was only fitting that this occurred again during their regular-season finale at the Dallas Cowboys.

This was a messy game. It was sloppy and Washington struggled to get into an early rhythm. However, as has been the case for most of the campaign, they found a way to get the job done when it mattered.

Terry McLaurin's walk-off touchdown with two seconds remaining officially cemented the sixth seed. The result didn't matter after the Green Bay Packers lost at home to the Chicago Bears, but it's always nice to get one over on your fierce division rivals.

The Commanders finished the season at 12-5 and travel to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wildcard round, which is getting the primetime treatment on Sunday Night Football. That's a testament to how quickly things came together under the new regime, but there are things to clean up in the coming days before taking the field at Raymond James Stadium.

That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are four winners and three losers from Washington's last-gasp victory at the Cowboys in Week 18.

Winners and losers from Commanders' thrilling triumph at the Cowboys

Winner No. 1

Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR

It took a while for Terry McLaurin to get going. The two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels were out of sync throughout the first half. Once adjustments were made at the interval and Marcus Mariota came into the lineup, things picked up.

McLaurin was terrific throughout the second half. He got the better of his matchup with Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland through his measured separation techniques and assured hands. When Mariota needed to make a play, the veteran typically went in his direction successfully.

This was no more evident than on the final drive of the game. Mariota got the Commanders into scoring range. He displayed outstanding touch on his final throw to McLaurin, who brought it in with aplomb to seal Washington's victory.

The former third-round selection out of Ohio State finished the contest with eight receptions from 12 targets for 62 receiving yards and one score. Washington needs all that and more if they want to make some noise in the postseason.

Loser No. 1

Michael Deiter - Commanders C

The Washington Commanders didn't have starting center Tyler Biadasz to call upon at the Dallas Cowboys after he was ruled out through injury. His presence was sorely missed once again.

Veteran free-agent signing Michael Deiter once again replaced Biadasz as the offensive line's anchor. He's not played much this season and it shows. The communication pre-snap is not in sync, there are times he becomes flustered in pass protection, and there isn't enough core strength to make a difference on running plays.

That's a dangerous combination that the Cowboys had no trouble taking advantage of. Micah Parsons spotted this weak link and exploited it accordingly. Deiter fared a little better in the second half, but his overall production left a lot to be desired.

The Commanders were erring on the side of caution with Biadasz. Hopefully, he can resume his place in the lineup at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Deiter goes to the sideline. Otherwise, it's going to be immensely difficult to counteract the supreme threat posed by stud nose tackle Vita Vea.

Winner No. 2

Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB

Jayden Daniels is gaining the lion's share of national media plaudits after a sensational campaign. The quarterback normally takes the limelight, but anyone who's followed the Commanders' progress closely this season knows another rookie is making significant waves.

The Commanders got a steal in Mike Sainristil. Nick Saban's assessment of the cornerback following the 2024 NFL Draft was right on the money. He punches well above his weight class and boasts the elite-level mentality to never back down from a challenge.

With Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore once again missing, Sainristil needed to step up. The second-round pick answered the call, putting on one of his best coverage performances of the season. He also made his tackles count with supreme ferocity from start to finish.

This was another indication of what a special player the Commanders have on their hands. Sainristil transitioned from the slot to the boundary seamlessly. There are still times of struggle, but they are becoming less frequent. Considering how difficult it can be for cornerbacks to adjust, his early contribution is the best possible foundation from which to build.

Sainristil is a core foundational piece to build around. That's not up for discussion after a standout first season in the pros.

Loser No. 2

Daron Payne - Commanders DT

The Washington Commanders have their biggest game in recent memory on the immediate horizon. After their postseason efforts conclude, there needs to be an uncomfortable discussion within the building regarding the team's defensive line interior.

Despite having several high-end draft selections manning the defensive tackle positions, they aren't meeting expectations. Jonathan Allen gets a pass considering it's only his second game back. That's not the case with Daron Payne, who has underwhelmed more often than not.

Payne's sensational campaign in 2022 which saw him reach the Pro Bowl in a contract year was an anomaly. There was added urgency to get paid and Ron Rivera duly obliged. The production doesn't match the paycheck these days.

The former first-round pick out of Alabama couldn't find solid footing against the run and got no push in pass-rushing situations at the Dallas Cowboys. Payne is going through the motions and is struggling to find any semblance of consistency. This has to take a surge forward against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in pursuit of gaining success on the road.

Washington holds Payne to a higher standard than most. Don't be surprised if his future beyond 2024 comes under a severe cloud if he cannot produce the goods in the postseason.

Winner No. 3

Jeremy Chinn - Commanders S

Jeremy Chinn is quickly cementing his status as a core part of the Commanders' plans long-term. The explosive safety came into the organization with a big chip on his shoulder after being cast aside by the Carolina Panthers. He's used this motivation positively to make an outstanding contribution throughout the campaign.

If there were any doubts about Chinn's influence, there was no confusion following his standout showing at the Dallas Cowboys. The former second-round pick out of Southern Illinois was everywhere on the field, displaying dynamic playmaking ability against the run, holding his own in coverage, and even showcasing his pass-rushing prowess on blitz packages when given the opportunity.

This was arguably Chinn's best performance since joining the Commanders. He finished with 13 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack. The defensive back looks tailormade for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s system, which was needed in no uncertain terms in this one after second-year-pro Quan Martin couldn't go due to injury.

The Commanders would be wise to keep Chinn in 2025 and beyond. All he does is make plays and there's nothing but maximum effort attached. That's the sort of individual to build around.

Loser No. 3

Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB

The Washington Commanders couldn't get much going on the ground in this one. Marcus Mariota and Jayden Daniels were the primary options in the run game, which wasn't ideal considering the Dallas Cowboys run defense has been nothing short of woeful for the most part this season.

This was another underwhelming effort from Brian Robinson Jr. The former third-round selection struggled to generate early momentum and gained just 10 rushing yards from five carries before he became an afterthought.

Robinson's impressive form earlier in the campaign has deserted him. He lacks field vision and his physical presence waned as the grueling punishment took its toll. The player must get things together, and quickly, in pursuit of a more profitable contribution at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when the postseason rolls around.

Overcoming adversity is nothing new to Robinson throughout his eventful NFL journey to date. He needs to show the correct resolve and impose himself when called upon at Raymond James Stadium. The Commanders have to control the clock on the road to maintain offensive balance and frustrate the crowd. Nothing else will do.

Robinson's role is integral. Getting back to the form of old is paramount next weekend.

Winner No. 4

Marcus Mariota - Commanders QB

Marcus Mariota's role behind the scenes became a significant asset to the Commanders. The veteran quarterback knew he wasn't going to play much once Jayden Daniels transitioned so seamlessly. Taking on the role of mentor benefitted the first-year signal-caller enormously.

The Commanders allowed Mariota to shine in the second half when Daniels experienced some mild soreness in his leg. Taking him out of the firing line was the correct call. It also sparked Washington into life.

Mariota brought a sense of urgency and surprise that the Cowboys weren't ready for. He was accurate with the football, gained yards on the ground when the situation dictated, and converted his red zone opportunities into touchdowns for good measure. His last-second touchdown to Terry McLaurin is a testament to his poise and composure in key moments.

This was an outstanding performance from Mariota and nobody was more thrilled than Daniels on the sideline. The former Oregon standout completed 83.33 percent of his passes for 161 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He also accumulated 56 yards and one score on the ground en route to a sensational 96.4 QBR out of a possible 100.

More importantly, this strengthened the player's chances of getting a new deal in Washington or an opportunity to start elsewhere when free agency rolls around.

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