5 unsung heroes from Commanders' shock triumph at the Bengals in Week 3

Zach Ertz - Commanders TE

Things could have been worse for Zach Ertz had the tight end's fumble resulted in a turnover. Nick Allegretti was on hand to recover and spare his blushes. Aside from that, it was another accomplished performance from the veteran free-agent signing.

Ertz's chemistry with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is growing with every passing week. He knows how to manipulate opposing defenders through savvy route running and impressive body control. The explosiveness might not be where it once was, but Kliff Kingsbury is using him exactly how he should be at this late stage of the player's career.

There's also a lot to like about Ertz's ability as a blocker. Ben Sinnott also deserves credit for his contribution in this regard at the Cincinnati Bengals, so this looks like a profitable tight-end partnership that can help the Washington Commanders flourish as the season goes on.

The former second-round pick out of Stanford brought in all five of his targets for 38 receiving yards. These are modest numbers compared to the elite tight ends, but the Commanders don't need much more from Ertz within a scheme that is expanding rapidly as Daniels gains experience.

Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB

Mike Sainristil's first taste of primetime NFL action didn't go well. The rookie slot cornerback was asked with outside responsibilities and was inexplicably left to cover All-Pro wideout Ja'Marr Chase one-on-one on the game's opening drive. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow spotted this immediately and exploited it for a big touchdown.

Credit to the second-round selection, Sainristil responded positively to this setback. It wasn't perfect - not by any stretch of the imagination - but his performance was better than anything fans have seen over the first two games.

Sainrsitl made his tackles count and was always around the football. Washington's defense didn't cover itself in glory overall, but the No. 50 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft emerged with more credit than most despite giving up a score during the opening exchanges.

The Commanders have deep concerns within their secondary, especially with the lack of pass-rush. Sainristil displayed the resolve needed to come out on the other end smiling. Hopefully, this becomes the catalyst behind an upward trajectory moving forward.