It's been an up-and-down season for the Washington Commanders at the quarter pole. Head coach Dan Quinn's squad is sitting at 2-2 after losing to the Atlanta Falcons last weekend. The team is also dealing with some significant injury concerns that could hinder their progress.
The Commanders are not out of the fight just yet. They still have plenty of talent across the board, and Quinn seemed hopeful that his top stars could get back into the lineup sooner rather than later. With some tricky games upcoming, that better be the case.
Quinn can ill afford his team to go on a downward spiral. Momentum reached levels not seen for decades last season. Keeping it up was always going to be difficult, but there is no doubt that the Commanders need more from some who aren't quite meeting expectations.
This requires a collective effort. The Commanders built their foundation on brotherhood and resolve during a 2024 campaign that surpassed every expectation imaginable. They will need all that and more to avoid becoming the latest team to flash early before tailing off.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five costly Commanders letdowns who need to raise performance levels.
Costly Commanders' letdowns already sinking the team at the quarter-season mark
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
Coming into the season, most fans and analysts thought the Washington Commanders' cornerback unit would become an area of real strength in 2025. There is a long way to go and a lot of football left, but that hasn't come to fruition through four weeks.
The secondary is being exposed with alarming frequency. Several key men are underperforming, which also includes 2024 second-round pick Mike Sainristil.
Fans were expecting Sainristil to cement his status as a legitimate franchise cornerstone after a phenomenal rookie campaign. There have been some impressive moments, but the Commanders are asking him to do too much. It's evident, and adjustments are crucial to prevent this from becoming an ongoing trend.
Sainristil has already conceded 17 receptions through four games, third-worst in the entire league. His 49.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus ranks 130th out of 164 qualifying cornerbacks. The former Michigan star managed to secure his first interception of the season in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, but it has been a disappointing contribution overall.
The Commanders need to keep Sainristil in one spot. Moving him around so much isn't having the desired effect. That's the only way things will change for the better.