The Washington Commanders head into their daunting Monday Night Football game against the San Francisco 49ers with some significant concerns. Head coach Dan Quinn's squad is reeling after an inexplicable tie versus the New York Giants, which sent pressure soaring and the calls for change even louder.
Everyone has now turned the page. The Commanders are showing the right resolve, with a steely determination to get things trending up. But everyone — from the franchise cornerstones to the special teamers and everyone in between — has to step up.
The Commanders are not good enough to be carried by a few. This must be a collective effort to get out of their slump, and the ramifications will be severe if improvements don't arrive.
This is no time for wallowing in self-pity. The stakes are way too high for that.
Things could look a lot different for the Commanders if a couple of plays had gone their way or if quarterback Jayden Daniels hadn't gotten hurt, but it wasn't to be. And these are just excuses for their self-inflicted wounds when it's all said and done.
A massive effort is needed. And these Commanders letdowns must stop sinking a team in desperate need of life.
Costly Washington Commanders letdowns already sinking the team after five games
Chris Paul - Commanders OL
The Commanders may not have even started Chris Paul this season if not for the injury to five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Brandon Coleman looked set to win the left guard battle, but he was forced to the blindside after a devastating injury blow.
Paul retained his spot on the interior, and hopes were high that he could make further strides after performing well in difficult circumstances last season. That hasn't been the case through five games, but the Commanders have no option but to keep him in the lineup.
The former Tulsa standout is making too many mistakes. Paul has vice-like hands, and opposing defensive linemen struggle to regain leverage once he takes hold. But his movement and situational awareness leave a lot to be desired.
Washington is not in a position to remove Paul from the front five.
Their offensive line depth is subpar. Tunsil is still hurt, so dependable options are thin. The Commanders will have to ride the wave with the 2022 seventh-round pick, but he will need a big effort to justify another lucrative financial commitment from the club next spring.
Paul will be the first to admit that his performances have not been good enough. His free-agent market — or lack thereof — spoke volumes, and based on his efforts so far, the hesitation around him was justified.
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