There was an enormous amount of pressure on the Washington Commanders heading into their Week 13 game against the Tennessee Titans. They'd lost three straight and saw their playoff cushion evaporate for the seventh seed. Another loss would have come with grave consequences attached.
Head coach Dan Quinn was pleased with the response from his players. They remained resolute in the face of adversity and challenged each other to get out of this concerning slump. What followed was another dominant effort to get themselves back to winning ways.
The Commanders got off to a blistering start. They were 28-0 ahead in the second quarter after a sensational effort in all three phases. There was a little lull, but Quinn's men managed to see out the contest in comfortable fashion for their eighth victory of the campaign.
To say this put everyone at ease would be an understatement. The Commanders turned in a professional performance to easily dispose of the Titans. That hasn't cemented their playoff hopes, but it provides confidence they can kick on after the bye and secure their postseason berth.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, there are five winners and two losers from Washington's impressive triumph at Northwest Stadium.
Winners and losers from Commanders' success vs. the Titans
Winner No. 1
Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR
Much was made throughout the week about Terry McLaurin's usage. It came as no surprise to see Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury get his most prolific pass-catcher involved early against the Tennessee Titans.
The Commanders blazed a trail right out of the gate to leave the Titans shell-shocked. McLaurin was at the heart of everything good in the passing game, bringing in eight receptions from as many targets for 73 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
This is the sort of production McLaurin is capable of when given the opportunity. The Commanders aren't blessed with too much consistency aside from the Pro Bowler in the passing game. They need to keep making the former Ohio State star the focal point to meet some raised expectations.
If McLaurin is firing, it makes life easier for everybody.
The coverage slides to him, giving others more space to do damage. Opposing defenses cannot stack the box for fear of getting burned by the wideout, who looks on course for a career-high in receiving yards to go along with his record nine scores through 12 games.
Loser No. 1
Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders DE
There weren't many holes to pick apart where the Washington Commanders were concerned in Week 13. It was an impressive display overall - one that steadied the ship and gave Dan Quinn's men some encouraging momentum with their long-awaited bye week here at last.
Dorance Armstrong Jr.'s performance wasn't great, in all honesty. The free-agent signing from the Dallas Cowboys hasn't met expectations as yet. It was a largely anonymous contribution from the defensive end aside from one quarterback hit.
Armstrong didn't register a single tackle despite playing the lion's share of snaps. This is becoming an ongoing frustration - one that must change as a matter of urgency if the Commanders want to make their presence felt in the postseason.
Washington brought Armstrong into the fold to be their premier pass-rusher this season. He was deserving of the opportunity after flashing enormous promise from a rotational role with the Cowboys. Based on his efforts so far this season, the former fourth-round selection looks like a complimentary piece rather than a genuine No. 1 option.
Winner No. 2
Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
It was another rollercoaster week for Chris Rodriguez Jr. The running back was released before being brought into the fold once again after Austin Ekeler suffered a serious concussion against the Dallas Cowboys. With Brian Robinson Jr. also dealing with an ankle sprain, the former sixth-round selection was given another opportunity to showcase his credentials.
Rodriguez was eager to make the most of it. He ran with incredible purpose and explosiveness versus the Titans. His precarious situation provided the urgency needed to turn in a marvelous effort that bolsters hopes of an extended stay beyond 2024.
Not many Ron Rivera draft picks remain under the new regime. Rodriguez has something to work with. If Robinson and Ekeler come back next season, the Kentucky product looks like a decent No. 3 option who can step in at a moment's notice and produce.
After finishing this one with 94 rushing yards and a touchdown from 13 carries, Rodriguez has proved his dependability. Ekeler is on injured reserve with his status the rest of the way in doubt. But the Commanders can relax safe in the knowledge they have decent pieces behind Robinson if needed.
Winner No. 3
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels has the potential to be a franchise quarterback. That hasn't changed just because the rookie signal-caller's gone through a dip in recent weeks. The Washington Commanders fully believe in the player. He reminded everyone why with a polished performance versus the Tennessee Titans.
This was more like the Daniels fans saw take the league by storm earlier in the season. He benefitted greatly from a balanced offensive attack. The former LSU standout also looked more poised in the pocket and made the right decisions for the most part.
There was one interception, but that was the only blip on Daniels' résumé. He more than made up for it by playing a role in four touchdowns - three through the air and one on the ground - to spearhead the Commanders to a priceless victory before their bye week.
Daniels was having fun again. There was a freedom to flourish, which provided an extra level of comfort. The timing was on point and the Heisman Trophy winner looked relaxed for the first time in weeks.
Hopefully, the same trend can continue once the dual-threat weapon and his teammates return from their extended rest period.
Winner No. 4
Bobby Wagner - Commanders LB
Dan Quinn couldn't have been more complimentary about Bobby Wagner following the contest. With the Commanders on a three-game losing skid, the veteran linebacker took it upon himself to rouse the locker room with an inspirational speech before preparations began for their clash with the Titans. It had the desired effect.
There isn't much that Wagner hasn't seen or done in the game. He's a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the greatest linebackers of the modern era. The Commanders made a lot of great signings throughout the spring, but his influence is right up there with the very best.
It was another superb outing from Wagner. He notched just five tackles - taking him to over 100 for the season once again. However, his communication pre-snap had every Washington defender in the correct positions more often than not.
This doesn't show up on the stat sheet, but it was an integral part of the team's success. Wagner is revered by teammates and coaches alike. If the second-level enforcer wants to continue his playing journey following the campaign, the Commanders should be more than willing to provide an extension.
Loser No. 2
Zane Gonzalez - Commanders K
Stop me if you've heard this one before. The Washington Commanders have a kicking problem.
Incumbent starter Austin Seibert came back too soon last week versus the Dallas Cowboys and is currently on injured reserve. This brought Zane Gonzalez into the breach, who'd done relatively well in his previous appearances for Washington.
Hopes were high that this trend could continue in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans on his final standard elevation from the practice squad. This didn't come to fruition.
Gonzalez his all six of his extra points, but he was guilty of missing both field goal efforts. It didn't matter much in this one as the Commanders took complete control early. That won't be the case if Washington wants to make some noise in the postseason.
It's a dilemma. Seibert has three more weeks before he can return, but there's just telling for sure if he'll be ready for the business end of the campaign. If those in power aren't entirely convinced by Gonzalez, they won't hesitate to go in a different direction over the bye.
Winner No. 5
Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
There was some concern about whether Brian Robinson Jr. would take his place in the lineup. The running back suffered an ankle sprain against the Dallas Cowboys and was limited in practice. However, he was given the all-clear in Week 13 after passing every test on Friday.
The Commanders are a different team when Robinson is firing on all cylinders. Fans were concerned about how much he could legitimately contribute given he's not at 100 percent. It didn't take long for their fears to be alleviated.
Robinson left his mark immediately, scampering into the open field for a long touchdown on Washington's third offensive play. He kept this up throughout the contest, displaying the powerful explosiveness that everyone associated with the Commanders became accustomed to seeing earlier in the campaign.
The former third-round pick out of Alabama managed 103 rushing yards and a score from 16 carries. It was a dominant display from Robinson and the entire rushing attack overall. This was especially impressive when one considered the Titans had one of the league's most productive run defenses coming into the clash.