Rachaad White - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders' running back dynamic remains a confusing part of their offensive strategy. David Blough doesn't ride the hot hand, and aside from a couple of encouraging performances here and there, the consistency just isn't where it needs to be.
Rachaad White came to the Commanders on a team-friendly deal this offseason. He was willing to bet on himself, and reuniting wiith his old college quarterback, Jayden Daniels, added a familiarity factor that only increased the optimism.
Sadly, things haven't quite gone according to plan.
White is getting a lot of work, though he did miss one game with a shoulder issue. He lacks the conviction to exploit gaps, isn't making much of a difference in the passing game, and his pass blocking when picking up blitzes is also slipping.
The Commanders will likely keep faith with White. But if he wants another deal in Washington, he's got to be better.
Odafe Oweh - Commanders OLB
Odafe Oweh has been fine. The problem? Washington is paying him like a top-tier edge rusher.
The Commanders made a big splash in free agency, signing Oweh to a four-year, $96 million deal. It was a big risk, given he'd been nothing more than a productive rotational force so far. But everyone in Washington was confident he could take the next step.
Oweh has had plenty of encouraging flashes. He has 13 pressures through five games, but he's only got two sacks. And some frustrating deficiencies against the run remain that must be rectified to justify his lofty price tag.
He is playing 67 percent of defensive snaps, which is a career high. Not surprising, but it means Oweh should be doing a lot more with extended involvement as a defensive focal point.
That's what the Commanders are paying for. And unless Oweh steps things up, it will bring more scrutiny to Adam Peters' decision to splash the cash on the former Penn State star.
Dan Quinn - Commanders HC
While mitigating circumstances exist, they apply to everyone. And once again, the blame for Washington's failings falls on head coach Dan Quinn.
There is no denying the mounting pressure on Quinn's job status. Some fans wanted him fired after an egregious overtime blunder against the New York Giants, but that is not Josh Harris' style. The majority owner is staying patient, and the coach will likely get to see out the season before a decision on his future is made.
Quinn is a nice guy and a respected leader. But this is a results business.
The Commanders have fallen short since reaching the conference championship game in 2024. Harris has ambitious plans on and off the field, so Quinn will reach a tipping point at some stage.
Just when that will be is debatable. But either way, it's not looking good.
Quinn won't go down without a fight. It'll be interesting to see just how much of that Washington has left after its Week 5 debacle.
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