Winner No. 3
Sonny Styles - Commanders LB
Sonny Styles got some ridiculous criticism for a few preseason snaps. That's all part of being a high first-round pick, but the Washington Commanders have complete faith in the linebacker to become a franchise cornerstone.
Styles was eager to make an early impact against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he did. The athleticism, instincts, and ability to read the game were evident. He is so fast for a man his size, and the Ohio State product managed to cause significant disruption in the backfield for good measure.
Communication issues arose when veteran Frankie Luvu left the game with an injury. But overall, this was precisely what Commanders fans wanted to see from the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Loser No. 4
David Blough - Commanders OC
The Commanders took a big risk by appointing David Blough as offensive coordinator this offseason. He has no play-calling experience and served as a quarterbacks coach for only a couple of months when Tavita Pritchard took the head coaching gig at Stanford. However, signs over the summer showed everyone had bought in.
Blough, a rookie coordinator with a growing reputation, locked horns with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. He's one of the best defensive masterminds of the modern era, and that showed from the outset.
Fangio had Blough's number. Things began to click more as the game went on, but this may have had more to do with the Eagles' tiring defense in humid conditions. The two-point conversion call was questionable, but there were always going to be some growing pains.
Winner No. 4
Nick Cross - Commanders S
Nick Cross was the only significant addition made by Adam Peters to the Commanders' safety unit this offseason. The veteran came with a big reputation after emerging as one of the league's best run-stopping safeties with the Indianapolis Colts, and his first impression in Philadelphia was a good one.
Cross was flying all over the field. He looks tailor-made for the aggressive scheme being implemented by Daronte Jones, and he's a true tone-setter on the back end who can also help considerably the closer he gets to the line of scrimmage.
hitting heavy early
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 13, 2026
📺 #WASvsPHI FOX pic.twitter.com/jaF5jotS1H
Concerns remain about others in the safety room. However, Cross instantly showed just how valuable he'll be to Washington's defense as the campaign goes on.
Loser No. 5
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels missed a lot of football last season. The Commanders opted to give him one drive that consisted of three snaps in the preseason. This rustiness showed against the Eagles.
Daniels didn't look like himself. He got no time in the pocket behind a subpar offensive line (minus Sam Cosmi), and the timing was off with his receivers. There were some flashes of dynamism, especially late in the game and on a run that featured two spin moves, but there were also plenty of throws that the Arizona State product would like to have back.
Things will get better. Daniels came through unscathed health-wise and will have benefited greatly from being back under center in a new scheme. But the pressure is already on after an opening-day loss.
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