5 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders' last-gasp success vs. the Bears

This season is quickly becoming a fairytale for the Washington Commanders. Their jaw-dropping victory against the Chicago Bears in Week 8 felt like a dream that fans won't want to wake up from anytime soon.

Just when all hope seemed lost for the Commanders, a Hail Mary play was deflected into the hands of wide receiver Noah Brown as time expired. The jubilation, relief, and unrivaled joy across Northwest Stadium was incredible. To see how quickly things have changed in such a short timeframe is nothing short space of time is the most remarkable element of all.

Dan Quinn could barely contain himself. The head coach must be wondering what the future could hold if he keeps everyone focused and ignoring the increasing hype. They are finding different ways to win. This was another - and easily the most dramatic - of the campaign to date.

With that being said, here are five winners and two losers from Washington's sensational last-gasp success over the Bears in Week 8.

Winners and losers from Commanders triumph vs. Bears

Winner No. 1

Zach Ertz - Commanders TE

With Jayden Daniels nursing a rub injury that left his status in serious doubt throughout the week, the Washington Commanders needed their top playmakers in the passing game to make their presence felt. Aside from a few wayward drops, they accomplished this feat.

Zach Ertz continued his exceptional start to life in Washington. The veteran tight end is proving there is still plenty of good football left in his arsenal. His ability to come through in critical moments continues to impress. And make no mistake, Daniels trusts him fully to get the job done.

The three-time Pro Bowler brought in seven receptions from 11 targets for 77 receiving yards. Ertz was also a willing blocker when the situation dictated to further enhance his influence.

This is better than even the brightest optimist envisaged when Ertz reunited with Kliff Kingsbury in free agency. If the former second-round pick out of Stanford can stay healthy, he'll remain a core part of the team's offensive plans.

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.

Winner No. 3

Johnny Newton - Commanders DT

Jonathan Allen's absence meant others needed to step up. The Washington Commanders cannot afford any weak links in their improving defense. This bears more significance when one considers how influential the Pro Bowl defensive tackle is on and off the field.

Johnny Newton is among those tasked with filling the void. The rookie second-rounder missed a lot of football during his critical transition over the summer. However, he's finding his feet quickly and turned in the best performance of his professional career against the Chicago Bears in Week 8.

Newton managed to create significant disruption from the interior. He made life extremely uncomfortable for Caleb Williams in the first half. The interior force seemed to tire as the contest wore on, but this was another example of what the former Illinois star could bring to the Commanders long-term.

With three tackles, three quarterback hits, and one tackle for loss, Newton's role was integral to Washington's overall triumph. He also managed to produce a fumble recovery on the goal line during one of the game's most critical moments.

This was a huge step in the right direction for Newton. And he's only going to get better with more experience.

Winner No. 4

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

There was a sense of nervous excitement when Jayden Daniels got the green light to participate in Week 8. Fans were anxious considering he'd missed most of practice throughout the build-up with a rib issue. But head coach Dan Quinn was satisfied enough to give him a shot and see how the signal-caller fared.

Daniels demonstrated remarkable toughness. He took some big hits but kept on swinging. The offense was a little more disjointed than usual. However, it's also worth remembering that the Chicago Bears boast a formidable unit with top-level playmakers at all three levels of the field.

When the time came to step up with the game at stake, Daniels delivered. His miracle Hail Mary that tipped into the grateful hands of wide receiver Noah Brown was just what the No. 2 pick deserved following a gritty display in difficult circumstances. It also confirmed that the Commanders are never out of the fight when he's under center.

The former LSU star eventually finished with 326 passing yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. Daniels earned a 71.0 QBR and also managed to gain 52 yards on the ground from eight carries. He'll probably be extremely sore for the next couple of days, but the winning feeling is all that matters.

Loser No. 2

Cornelius Lucas - Commanders OT

The Washington Commanders didn't have the benefit of rookie third-rounder Brandon Coleman in Week 8. The promising left tackle couldn't get out of the NFL's concussion protocol in time for the contest, leaving veteran Cornelius Lucas free to man the blindside by himself.

Lucas has been performing well this season. He's splitting reps with Coleman, which seems to be working well through eight weeks. There was a lot to like about the way he applied himself in the face of the stern Chicago Bears defensive front, but an unfortunate injury meant the former undrafted free agent out of Kansas State was sent to the sidelines.

The offensive tackle was seen in a walking boot after Washington's dramatic victory. Lucas missing time would be a blow to the Commanders. He's given up just one sack this season and has a phenomenal 83.5 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, ranked No. 10 league-wide. He's also helped smooth Coleman's transition rather than giving the first-year pro too much right out of the gate.

Those in power will be hoping for good news. They'll also be hoping Coleman is ready to roll next weekend versus the New York Giants looking at how Trent Scott performed filling in for Lucas.

Winner No. 5

Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR

Terry McLaurin is loving life right now. The wide receiver has a franchise quarterback to depend upon and the Commanders are on the up at long last. If anyone is deserving of this good fortune, it's the former third-round selection out of Ohio State.

McLaurin came out of the blocks flying against the Chicago Bears in Week 8, bringing in a deep ball from Jayden Daniels early in the contest that went for 61 receiving yards. The Pro Bowl pass-catcher finished with five receptions from eight targets for 125 receiving yards, coming through in big moments and continuing his outstanding run of recent form for good measure.

This performance was more impressive when one considers McLaurin was matched up with stud cornerback Jaylon Johnson for the most part. The veteran is riding on the crest of a wave. He believes something special is building. He is cherishing every moment after experiencing nothing but misery since joining the Commanders.

It's getting harder to keep everyone's feet on the ground. McLaurin will be at the forefront of that within the building as a supreme locker room leader. However, the prolific wideout must have the inner sense this feels different in every conceivable way.

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