5 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders' last-gasp success vs. the Bears
By Dean Jones
Loser No. 1
Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB
There was nobody more relieved about rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' last-second heroics than Benjamin St-Juste. The veteran cornerback seemed to cost the Washington Commanders in the worst way imaginable, giving up a pass interference penalty on Keenan Allen that put the Chicago Bears in pole position to score a go-ahead touchdown.
This typified St-Juste's season so far. At times he looks like an outstanding coverage presence, providing the physicality and fluidity to mirror wide receivers. On other occasions, silly lapses in concentration continue to be his demise.
St-Juste's future with the franchise remains precarious. He's out of contract next spring and isn't a No. 1 option. However, he could become a complimentary piece if the Commanders bring in reinforcements. So as always, much will depend on how his performances are being perceived and the money involved.
The former third-round pick out of Minnesota was probably breathing a sigh of relief as Northwest Stadium erupted into pure delirium following Washington's miracle play. But the sooner St-Juste eradicates these mistakes from his game, the better the Commanders' chances of making noise in the postseason will be.
Winner No. 2
Quan Martin - Commanders S
The Commanders were expecting a lot from Quan Martin heading into the season. Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. moved him back to the safety position where he starred in college at Illinois after he spent a large part of his rookie campaign as the team's slot cornerback. It's not been perfect, but Week 8 was the clearest sign yet that he's becoming more comfortable.
Martin always seemed to be around the football. His support on the backend in coverage was much improved and he was a willing presence tackling in run support for good measure. There is still work to do, but the former second-round selection is on the correct path.
The defensive back finished the game with 11 tackles. It seemed like more given how frequently Martin was around the action. His 79.3 run defense grade is No. 9 among all qualifying safeties according to Pro Football Focus. That's proof of the player's encouraging growth under the expert guidance of Quinn and Whitt.
If the same trend continues throughout the campaign and Jeremy Chinn also makes strides, this could be a long-term safety partnership for Washington to depend upon.