There are huge expectations for the Washington Commanders in 2025. That's why starting their campaign on the right note to victory over the New York Giants in Week 1 was paramount en route to potentially bigger things as the season progresses.
It wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it was mission accomplished from the Commanders' perspective. Their 21-6 triumph had some errors attached that need to be cleaned up quickly. At the same time, head coach Dan Quinn's squad was always in complete control of the contest.
They were always doing just enough. This was a good game to shake off the rust, and the result is far more important than the performance on opening weekend. Things will get tougher in the coming weeks, but this satisfying win represents a solid platform from which to build.
There is no time for the Commanders to bask in their success. They have a Thursday Night Football engagement with the Green Bay Packers in their sights, which promises to be a much sterner test of their credentials after they comfortably beat the Detroit Lions.
Before then, there are five winners and two losers from the Commanders' Week 1 efforts.
Winners and losers from the Commanders' satisfying win against the Giants in Week 1
Winner No. 1
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
There was an unbelievable amount of excitement generated by Jacory Croskey-Merritt throughout the summer. But when the Washington Commanders placed him at No. 4 on their unofficial depth chart, some fans thought this could result in the running back being inactive to begin his NFL journey.
They didn't have anything to worry about. Croskey-Merritt was active. And when his moment to shine arrived, the seventh-round pick out of Arizona seized the opportunity with both hands.
Croskey-Merritt was as advertised. He's a one-cut slasher with the conviction to trust his decisions and exploit the smallest gaps. His vision to bounce off the edge for a debut touchdown gave everyone in the stadium a huge lift. And his long run later in the game confirmed that he'll be a big part of the team's plans moving forward.
It was hard to ignore the momentum around Croskey-Merritt entering Week 1. After the rookie gained 82 rushing yards and one touchdown from 10 carries, it's impossible now.
The hype train left the station long ago, where Croskey-Merritt was concerned. Sustaining this high-level production is the tricky part, but he's got the tools to become a prominent feature much quicker than expected.
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.
Winner No. 4
Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DT
There weren't many people around the media who thought Javon Kinlaw was worth what the Washington Commanders paid to bring him on board in free agency. They might be thinking a little differently now.
The three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed was balked at by those on the outside looking in. Even so, general manager Adam Peters believed there was still some untapped potential remaining.
Kinlaw is keen to repay the faith shown in him by Peters. He displayed dominant traits over training camp to raise optimism. And to say he hit the ground running in Week 1 against the New York Giants would be a massive understatement.
The former South Carolina standout was relentless alongside Daron Payne. Kinlaw finished the day with four tackles, two run stops, two tackles for loss, two pressures, and one quarterback hit. There was nothing the Giants' offensive line interior could do to prevent him from causing havoc. Long may it continue.
Loser No. 2
Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT
Let's start this off by acknowledging that this was Josh Conerly Jr.'s first taste of regular-season action at the NFL level. The rookie right tackle deserved to start, but this was always going to be a baptism of fire against the Giants' ferocious pass rush.
A daunting test awaited Conerly. There were a few promising flashes in pass protection. However, the former Oregon standout looked overwhelmed, especially when going up against Pro Bowl edge force Brian Burns.
Laremy Tunsil had no such issues with Abdul Carter on the other side, so the Giants targeted Conrely heavily. It was a rude awakening for the No. 29 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft — something that should leave him under no illusions about what it takes to succeed in the pros.
The tests keep coming for Conerly. Next up is Thursday Night Football versus the Green Bay Packers, where he'll come up against Micah Parsons, Lukas Van Ness, and Rashan Gary.
Winner No. 5
Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB
Things didn't go according to plan for Marshon Lattimore after his trade to the Commanders before the 2024 deadline. The cornerback came into the building with a hamstring injury that never fully healed, and his performances dipped accordingly. However, hope was renewed after he arrived in peak physical conditioning this offseason.
Lattimore's heard all the criticism and is eager to silence his doubters. Based on this showing against the Giants, he looks more than capable of reminding the NFL why he was among the premier shutdown players once upon a time.
A lot of Lattimore's good work went unnoticed. However, he was a lockdown on the boundary, comfortably covering anyone who came his way. And when Russell Wilson did attempt a throw in his direction, it was dealt with effectively.
Bigger challenges are coming, but this was a major step in the right direction.