The Washington Commanders managed to end their eight-game slide by beating the New York Giants to sweep their division rivals this season. It wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but head coach Dan Quinn's squad displayed the correct resolve to get over the hump.
This provided some solace from a campaign that has fallen by the wayside. And one team insider highlighted the understated yet pivotal contribution from an unsung hero who looks set for an extended stay beyond the campaign.
Although edge rusher Jacob Martin finished the game at MetLife Stadium with just one tackle and one pass breakup, a lot of his outstanding work didn't show up on the stat sheet. The veteran journeyman was a constant menace, consistently putting pressure on the offensive line and making life extremely uncomfortable for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Commanders insider hails Jacob Martin's understated rise to prominence
Martin's three quarterback hits and several pressures played a leading role behind Washington's long-awaited fourth triumph of the campaign. This didn't go unnoticed by JP Finlay from NBC Sports, who singled out the player as one of the few bright spots from a season that promised much but delivered very little.
In an obviously lost season Jacob Martin among the best stories for Washington. He's been good throughout
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 14, 2025
It's hard to argue. Not many fans or experts gave Martin much hope of making an impact with the Commanders. He fought hard to make the 53-man roster during the summer, and injuries to others put more responsibilities on his plate than anyone expected.
He could have wilted, but the former Temple standout has thrived, putting up career highs in almost every critical statistical category with three games remaining. And if the same trend continues down the stretch, the Commanders would be wise to offer him another one-year deal.
General manager Adam Peters needs to find more explosive pass-rushers during the offseason. It's arguably the team's most pressing priority, but keeping a productive, dependable presence like Martin on the rotation seems entirely feasible.
Martin is earning it. He's had to fight for everything coming his way. He's not big enough to be a true defensive end and is a little too imposing to play at the defensive second level. However, he's the sort of tweener that Quinn has had success with before, and the coach is bringing out the best in the 2018 sixth-round pick as hope was fading rapidly.
In a campaign that has not gone well for the Commanders, the decision to acquire Martin was a shrewd move. Hopefully, he can continue this positivity over Washington's next three games before his offseason fate is determined.