4 winners (and 5 losers) from Commanders' agonizing loss against the Eagles

Loser No. 2

Mike Sainristiil - Commanders CB

This is a big year for Mike Sainristil. And things couldn't have gone much worse for the cornerback in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Washington Commanders need Sainristil to step up. They are without 2025 second-round pick Trey Amos until at least Week 5, and we may not see him until after the bye. The Michigan product has to fill the void, but the same glaring problems that blighted him last season showed up again.

Sainristil's inability to cover effectively or track the football cost the Commanders in big moments. The Eagles targeted him as a weak link with great success, and Dontayvion Wicks burned him deep before schooling the third-year pro on his way to a touchdown.

Not great.

The Commanders have no real option other than to keep Sainristil in the lineup, at least until Amos gets back. But if these problems continue, his spot is in real jeopardy.

Winner No. 2

Antonio Williams - Commanders WR

The Commanders' passing attack didn't get anything going until late in the contest. And for all the hype around the veteran pass-catching duo of Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs, it was third-round rookie Antonio Williams who stood out above the rest.

Washington is extremely high on Williams. He had a strong summer, and his regular-season debut is only going to inspire more confidence.

The former Clemson star is a slick route runner with assured hands. Williams took advantage of his matchups, bringing in all four of his receptions for 64 receiving yards to lead the team. He also managed to secure the first touchdown of his professional career, catching a low throw from Jayden Daniels to reduce the gap.

Unfortunately, the Commanders couldn't make the two-point conversion. But that does not detract from the encouraging start by Williams, who looks like he could be a highly dependable wideout once he gains more experience.

Loser No. 3

Rachaad White - Commanders RB

There was an enormous sense of anticipation around the Commanders' backfield heading into their season opener. Jacory Croskey-Merritt met his end of the bargain against the Eagles, but the same couldn't be said for free-agent signing Rachaad White.

The former Arizona State standout bet on himself with the Commanders this offseason, opting to sign a team-friendly deal to reunite with his good friend and ex-college teammate Jayden Daniels. Some positive signs emerged over the summer, but he'll have to be better than the tape he put out in Week 1.

White lacked burst and on-field vision. The Eagles were getting pressure with four on the defensive front, which made it harder to find the required holes. The dual-threat was open on Washington's two-point conversion to tie the game, but Daniels either didn't see him or the back was never a viable read.

With 3.1 yards per carry and two receptions for just five receiving yards, the Commanders will be expecting more from White moving forward.

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