2 former Commanders players who struggled (and 2 who thrived) in Week 2

With Week 2 in the books, it's time to again check up on some former Washington Commanders players that the new front office moved on from in the off-season.

Seeing former key players from the Commanders either struggle or thrive can be bittersweet. There's still going to be some connection to these players, whether good or bad.

Seeing a former player you still love struggle will reassure you that moving on from that individual might have been a good decision. Vice versa, seeing a former Commanders star you love succeed will make you happy, but frustrated in the front office for letting them go.

All statistics and snap counts are courtesy of Pro Football Focus.

Former Commanders players who struggled in Week 2

Kamren Curl

We discussed Kamren Curl's strong performance in his first game with the Los Angeles Rams last week on Sunday Night Football. This week was the exact opposite.

Arizona Cardinals rookie sensation Marvin Harrison Jr. put up two big-play touchdowns in the first quarter against the Rams. Curl was one of the defenders in coverage on both.

The first one was an amazing throw in the back of the end zone by Kyler Murray, but Curl should have been in a better position. In the next one, Harrison made a great read on the zone coverage and just completely burnt Curl for a 60-yard score.

The Cardinals continued to dismantle the Rams' defense en route to a convincing win. Murray finished the day through the air with 266 yards and three touchdowns, with not even 100 percent of the snaps as Arizona pulled its starters in the fourth quarter.

Curtis Samuel

Curtis Samuel continued to disappoint in Week 2, earning just two targets for one reception and three receiving yards. This slow start is due to coming off a turf toe issue, but the concern is starting to rise for the former Commanders' wideout.

It didn't help that the Buffalo Bills decided to establish the run. Quarterback Josh Allen threw the football 19 times, completing 13. This was a steep change of pace for the AFC East juggernaut and did Samuel no favors whatsoever.

The Bills started pulling away quickly, getting a blowout 31-10 win. Samuel's snap count this week was concerning, coming in for only 12 snaps. We will see if the former Ohio State star gets more involved in Week 3, which could determine his role throughout the campaign.

Former Commanders players who thrived in Week 2

Antonio Gibson

The New England Patriots offense has been surprisingly solid, especially their running game. This almost led to another upset win in Week 2, taking the Seattle Seahawks to overtime before falling short.

Antonio Gibson was a big part of this almost upset, carrying the ball 11 times for 96 rushing yards and one reception for eight receiving yards. This included a 45-yard run in the fourth quarter where he turned what could have been a loss into a huge gain.

Gibson completely turned around his performance this week after a lackluster regular-season debut in New England.

Kendall Fuller

Kendall Fuller is one of the defenders that many Commanders fans felt should have been kept. Knowing that this is the start of a rebuild, you can understand why general manager Adam Peters and the front office decided to let him walk.

Fuller is 29 years old, which is not young for a cornerback. However, he was outstanding in 2023 and seems to be continuing that for the Miami Dolphins. With how much the Commanders' secondary is struggling this season, he could have been a big help.

The Bills may have put up 31 points on the Dolphins, but it was not due to Fuller's performance. When a full-time cornerback has very few targets against, it is a good thing.

Fuller was tied for second most on the team with 41 snaps, yet only had two targets against. He allowed zero receptions on those two targets. He accompanied that with a 78.6 run defense grade.

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