It was a job well done for the Washington Commanders in Week 9. There was nothing especially flashy about their triumph over the New York Giants - certainly not to the level fans enjoyed against the Chicago Bears - but winning is all that matters where divisional battles are concerned.
The Commanders were never in any real danger of losing this one. Things got closer than needed late in the game. However, the new professionalism and mentality within the building ensured they got over the line.
Washington is now 7-2 on the season and looks capable of reaching the postseason. Their fairytale run to start the campaign is being sustained. It might also force general manager Adam Peters into a more aggressive mindset with just two days remaining until the 2024 trade deadline.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five winners and two losers from Washington's impressive success at MetLife Stadium in Week 9.
Winners and losers from Commanders' success at the NY Giants
Winner No. 1
Commanders interior OL
Keeping Dexter Lawrence II out of the backfield was a primary objective for the Washington Commanders offensive line. The Pro Bowl nose tackle had nine sacks on the season heading into this one. He's been nothing short of relentless, so the challenge couldn't have been steeper for a unit that has come on significantly in a short timeframe.
The Commanders' interior held firm in the face of the league's most dominant player at the position. Washington double-teamed Lawrence early and often, with Tyler Biadasz and Sam Cosmi largely tasked with nullifying the player's supreme threat.
Nick Allegretti also deserves credit for the way he applied himself when tasked with counteracting Lawrence's supreme threat. The lineman finished the game with six tackles, but his ability to wreak havoc in obvious pass-rushing situations was non-existent for the most part. That was all the Commanders needed to put points on the board.
This is a testament to the interior's cohesive approach, the coaching they're receiving from Bobby Johnson, and the blocking concepts implemented by Kliff Kingsbury. It's been a collective effort, which is arguably the most pleasing aspect of all.