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.
Loser No. 1
Percy Butler - Commanders S
There weren't many holes during the Washington Commanders' performance in Week 9. They haven't enjoyed the best fortunes versus the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in recent years, but their professionalism and collective purpose have bucked many previously disappointing trends so far this season.
Percy Butler's lack of discipline was evident once again, especially in the early exchanges. The safety bit on a Daniel Jones run that went for big yardage. This also cost the Commanders when the signal-caller threw his first touchdown pass on home soil in an astonishing 672 days.
The Commanders can get away with mistakes like this versus teams with no legitimate chances of contending in 2024. They won't be so lucky when the rubber meets the road during the playoffs if Washington's fairytale run continues.
Butler needs to perform better, recognize his assignments, and execute more consistently when his number is called. Whether the Commanders reinforce the secondary before the 2024 trade deadline remains to be seen, but the former fourth-round selection out of Louisiana needs to be better in pursuit of keeping Darrick Forrest on the fringes.
Winner No. 2
Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
It looked for a long time as if Brian Robinson Jr. would suit up for the Commanders in Week 9. The signs were positive throughout Sunday regarding his participation despite suffering a hamstring issue. However, plans changed quickly once the running back experienced some discomfort during his pre-game workout.
Robinson was inactive. Elevating Chris Rodriguez Jr. from the practice squad was a shrewd move. The former sixth-round selection got the opportunity to showcase his prowess late in the contest when things could have become complicated. Thankfully, the player rose to the occasion.
Rodriguez's punishing rushing style wore down the Giants' defensive front to chew up the clock and ensure the Commanders got over the line with minimal fuss. The Kentucky product finished with 52 rushing yards from 11 carries, protecting the football and keeping the defense honest enough to give Jayden Daniels time in the passing game.
The second-year pro will probably go back to the practice squad if Robinson is healthy enough to go in Week 10. But this performance from Rodriguez will give the coaching staff plenty to ponder regarding his long-term prospects moving forward.
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.
Loser No. 2
Commanders contain defense
Despite Daniel Jones' struggles this season, the quarterback produces the goods versus the Washington Commanders. No matter how badly he's playing, the much-maligned signal-caller always comes up with the goods against his NFC East rival.
That looked like something Jones was going to accomplish once again in Week 9. This came thanks in no small part to his escapability and a frustrating prowess to gain yards on the ground.
Washington's defense had no answer for Jones early on. Jones was breaking contain almost constantly during the opening exchanges and eventually finished the game with 54 rushing yards from just seven carries. The main reason why this was neutralized came thanks to the Commanders' offense, who put points on the board quickly to accumulate a formidable advantage.
Joe Whitt Jr. is a no-nonsense coach who knows how to get his message across. He won't be happy with how many times Jones got out of the pocket to make plays. This is something to clean up quickly over the second half of 2024.
Winner No. 5
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels is the man. There's no doubt about that whatsoever after another polished performance with the spotlight glaring in Week 9.
The quarterback looked a lot healthier this week. Daniels' rib issue continues to get treatment during games, but there was more zip in his throws at the New York Giants. He also looked more comfortable navigating the pocket and gaining yards on the ground when opportunities arose.
Daniels was clinical in the red zone, finding Terry McLaurin for a pair of touchdown strikes and also driving down the field for a Washington rushing score that came courtesy of Austin Ekeler.
Just when it looked like the Giants could make this a close contest down the stretch, Daniels had the poise and flawless composure to see the game out with minimal fuss. He made critical throws in key moments, got the Commanders within touching distance of the goal line, and went into victory formation to seal another memorable success.
The LSU product will get a stern test of his credentials next weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But the momentum building around Daniels and the Commanders continues to blossom encouragingly.