5 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders' success at the NY Giants in Week 9
By Dean Jones
Winner No. 3
Jeremy Chinn - Commanders S
The Washington Commanders took a flier on Jeremy Chinn during the offseason. Dan Quinn and Adam Peters thought his career could be salvaged within their defensive plans after things fizzled out quickly with the Carolina Panthers. It looks like a tremendous piece of business that could potentially be a long-term arrangement if the same trend continues.
This was Chinn's coming-out party in Washington. He was nothing short of relentless at the New York Giants, making his presence felt in all phases and displaying his exceptional athleticism to full effect throughout a dominant display.
Chinn set the tone in the first half. He made an outstanding play in the backfield and also came up with two big pass deflections in coverage. This trend continued as the contest wore on, which was the best of his fledgling Commanders' career by a considerable margin.
The Commanders gave Chinn a one-year, prove-it deal in free agency. He was highly motivated to silence his doubters after becoming an afterthought under Panthers' defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. If these positive performance levels continue in the coming weeks, general manager Adam Peters would be wise to keep him around long-term.
Winner No. 4
Dante Fowler Jr. - Commanders OLB
The Commanders made plenty of outstanding signings throughout the offseason. Edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. is among the best after his sensational run of form in recent weeks.
Fowler gradually emerged into a prominent position and took full advantage. He offers something a little different, being able to generate pressure in a variety of ways and having great success operating alongside Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner at the defensive second level.
Head coach Dan Quinn trusts Fowler. He's worked with him at two previous stops and knows he can be depended upon to come through in big moments. His two sacks, two tackles for loss, six tackles, and two quarterback hits at the New York Giants lent further weight to these claims.
The former No. 3 overall selection now has 6.5 sacks on the season. Fowler is the Commanders' most prolific pass-rushing force. He's also riding on the crest of a wave after coming to life with more responsibilities on his shoulders. That's a solid foundation from which to build over the second half of 2024.