Winner No. 3
Bobby Wagner - Commanders LB
This was a pressurized situation that called for calm. General manager Adam Peters assembled a roster with the right blend of youth and veterans with proven production. However, their trip to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers represented the first win-or-go-home situation this squad experienced together.
Washington needed its alphas to make their presence felt. We've already spoken about how wide receiver Terry McLaurin rose to the occasion. The same goes for linebacker Bobby Wagner.
The future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer set the tone from start to finish. Wagner was a commanding force against the run to nullify Bucky Irving's threat over the opening exchanges. He managed to generate pressure from the interior when situations arose. The former second-round pick out of Utah State left his mark with sound tackling technique with the correct aggression attached.
Wagner's most pivotal play was a testament to his high-level reactions and football IQ. He had a split second to get down and collect the football when quarterback Baker Mayfield and rookie center Graham Barton botched a snap. This was a crucial fumble recovery in good field position that eventually led to a touchdown.
The Commanders don't win this game without Wagner. Something that only strengthens his claims for another one-year deal if he wants to continue a prolific playing career.
Winner No. 4
Dyami Brown - Commanders WR
The Commanders need to strengthen their wide receiver options throughout the offseason. They've become too reliant on Terry McLaurin and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels needs more to take his game to new heights. Until then, Washington needed an unsung hero to step up in pursuit of reaching the divisional round.
Many fans wondered if anyone was capable based on the same size throughout the campaign. It took someone to emerge from obscurity and into the primetime spotlight. The Commanders chose Dyami Brown and he delivered.
This was Brown's best performance since joining the Commanders as a third-round pick in 2021. He was explosive out of his breaks, stretched the field, and gave the Buccaneers something they weren't expecting.
Brown's hands were reliable, bringing in all five of his targets for 89 receiving yards and one touchdown. The former North Carolina standout earned the trust of Daniels and became a focal point. He also kept some heat off McLaurin, which was essential when one considers the Commanders couldn't get anything going on the ground.
This was a huge step in the right direction for Brown, who's been a bit-part player more often than not this season. However, this performance improves his chances of an extended stay beyond the campaign.