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

What a game. What a moment.
Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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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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