Winner No. 2
Daron Payne - Commanders DT
There's been something different about Daron Payne this offseason. Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. both lauded the defensive tackle for his improved focus and emerging leadership. The Washington Commanders thought big things were coming, and they were right.
Payne was nothing short of sensational against the New York Giants. He dominated proceedings from start to finish, using his unique blend of speed and power to cause complete chaos. His speed in pursuit was extraordinary, and the Alabama product always seemed to be around the action.
This was arguably Payne's best performance since his 2022 Pro Bowl campaign. The Commanders released Jonathan Allen this offseason, which allowed the 2018 first-round pick to finally step out of his shadow. And if this trend continues, there could be another lucrative deal awaiting the interior defensive lineman when the campaign concludes.
It was an extraordinary display of what Payne can bring to the Commanders. Ensuring this becomes the consistent standard is the next challenge.
Loser No. 1
Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
There was fierce debate about how many running backs the Commanders would activate for their regular-season opener against the Giants. Speculation was rising about Jacory Croskey-Merritt being the odd man out after he was placed fourth on Washington's unofficial depth chart, but that wasn't the case when push came to shove.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. was the inactive running back. The 2023 sixth-round pick out of Kentucky impressed during the offseason to cement his place on the 53-man roster, but he had to sit back and watch the Commanders' ground game accumulate 220 rushing yards and two scores from 32 touches at Northwest Stadium.
Croskey-Merritt blazed a trail. Austin Ekeler also flashed dynamism to keep things ticking over early in the game. This was no doubt frustrating for Rodriguez, so there's just no telling if he'll be involved in Washington's pivotal Thursday Night Football clash versus the Green Bay Packers.
Winner No. 3
Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders DE
Fans have been concerned about the team's pass-rushing options throughout the offseason. They thought Adam Peters should have done more to fortify this unit, but the general manager is confident this group could provide the consistency needed to flourish.
Time will tell, but things couldn't have gotten off to a better start against the Giants. New York missed stud left tackle Andrew Thomas greatly, and the Commanders smelled blood in the water from the moment they got down to business.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. was superb. He looked explosive and was relentless in pursuit of Russell Wilson throughout. His nine quarterback pressures were tied for a league high in Week 1, along with Nik Bonitto from the Denver Broncos. While finishing off plays effectively is his next challenge, one cannot help but be encouraged by his first effort of the campaign.