5 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders' blowout win vs. the Browns

Something special is happening.

What many believed to be a potential trap game for the Washington Commanders in Week 5 was anything but. Dan Quinn's squad blew away the Cleveland Browns with minimal fuss despite rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels finally looking human after an exceptional opening to the campaign. It was a professional, well-balanced performance in all phases that saw them emerge as comfortable victors.

The Commanders are the surprise of the 2024 NFL season through five weeks. They are 4-1 atop the NFC East. This is more than just a flash in the pan. Washington isn't just beating teams, they are doing so comfortably and with ruthless conviction.

If the Commanders can somehow come away from their trip to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6 with success, all bets are off. This is the sternest test of their season so far, but they have nothing to fear playing with house money.

That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five winners and two losers from Washington's blowout triumph over the Browns at Northwest Stadium in Week 5.

Winners and losers from the Commanders' win vs. the Browns

Winner No. 1

Tyler Biadasz - Commanders C

The Washington Commanders needed a big performance from their offensive line in this one. It wasn't flawless, but it was never going to be versus a stout Cleveland Browns defense that also brought plenty of pressure from the second level for good measure. However, there was a lot to like about how this unit applied itself once again.

Tyler Biadasz turned in another standout showing. The veteran center is quickly becoming one of the offseason's best signings. He set the tone from the first whistle, mauling people in the run game, displaying exceptional communication pre-snap, and also holding his own in pass protection to further enhance his influence.

The Commanders identified Biadasz as a high-priority target when free agency began. Dan Quinn knew the credentials he could bring to the table from their time together on the Dallas Cowboys. There's a long way to go, but this looks to be an outstanding piece of business by the organization in a position that was crying out for consistency.

Loser No. 1

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Commanders CB

It wasn't good news for everybody in Week 5. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was an innocent bystander as the Washington Commanders demolished the Cleveland Browns, featuring in just four total snaps throughout the contest. Styles make fights, so the coaching staff must have determined the former first-round pick wasn't ready to take on the likes of Jerry Jeudy and Amari Cooper in this one.

Their decision was valid as the Commanders' defense ran riot over the Browns to further cast doubt on Deshaun Watson's future as the team's starting quarterback. What this means for Forbes' future remains to be seen, but it's looking less likely with every passing week that he'll ever become the shutdown cornerback Ron Rivera envisaged when he took him at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Even when the result was sealed, Forbes didn't feature much. This would have been the best time to put him out there whether they thought he was a potential liability or not. That was the most damning indictment above all else regarding his development under the new regime.

It'll be interesting to see Forbes' usage in Week 6 at the Baltimore Ravens. Looking at his lightweight frame and inability to wrap up tackles at the initial contact point, another game on the sidelines could be in his immediate future.

Winner No. 2

Dyami Brown - Commanders WR

With Noah Brown missing from the contest, it presented an opportunity for Dyami Brown to become the Commanders' vertical threat in Week 5. The targets weren't in plentiful supply, but the former third-round pick made the most of his involvement.

The fact Jayden Daniels trusted Brown in a key moment of the game spoke volumes. The rookie signal-caller saw something on a previous play in coverage and called his shot with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The North Carolina product blew past his cornerback on the sidelines and brought in a superbly thrown ball for the deep score. This iced the game and provided the wideout with a huge confidence boost along the way.

Whether this is the start of better days ahead for Brown remains to be seen. He's not been featured prominently over the opening four games, but there are enough athletic traits for the Commanders to pick their spots. Becoming more consistent is vital, especially considering this is a contract year for the player.

Brown brought in both of his targets for 57 receiving yards and a touchdown. Building on this momentum is the next challenge, but much will depend on whether the recent free-agent signing is ready to make his return.

Winner No. 3

Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB

The Washington Commanders' defense has come on significantly over the last fortnight. Joe Whitt Jr. simplified the schematic concepts and it's paid off handsomely. They completely dominated the Cleveland Browns from start to finish, restricting the ground game and making life extremely uncomfortable for veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson throughout.

There were plenty of valuable contributors, but Frankie Luvu was the standout once again. The ferocious linebacker was at his relentless best in Week 5. He always seemed to be around the football, putting his elite-level instincts to good use and providing the inspiring second-level presence alongside Bobby Wagner that continues to revitalize the entire defense.

Luvu was everywhere. He secured 2.5 sacks, seven tackles, two tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits. Dan Quinn gave him the game ball following the clash, which was a testament to his exceptional production and unrivaled passion that's having a significant impact within the locker room for good measure.

The Commanders saw something in Luvu. The feeling was mutual after he turned down a contract extension from the Carolina Panthers to see if he could take his game up another notch under Quinn's guidance. This looks like a match made in heaven through five weeks.

Winner No. 4

Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR

Terry McLaurin had a tough matchup in Week 5. The Pro Bowl wide receiver was matched up against Denzel Ward, widely regarded as one of the league's most underrated cornerbacks. It was tough going at times, but the former third-round selection out of Ohio State still managed to have a huge say in proceedings.

McLaurin made his presence felt immediately, reacting well to Jayden Daniels making plays off-structure to bring in a sensational deep throw early in the contest. Ward went out of the lineup through injury later on, which is something the pass-catcher managed to exploit with efficiency to keep the chains moving.

It was another 100-yard receiving game for McLaurin, who gained 118 in total off four receptions from eight targets. This was the 17th time he's reached triple figures since being drafted in 2019, which represents a remarkable accomplishment when one considers the revolving door at the quarterback spot before Daniels' arrival.

Now, McLaurin has a genuine franchise signal-caller to depend upon. That's the biggest positive imaginable and something that is seeing the wideout's influence grow with every passing week.

Loser No. 2

Marcus Mariota - Commanders QB

The Washington Commanders had the unusual luxury of sitting Jayden Daniels a few minutes into the fourth quarter. This provided veteran backup quarterback Marcus Mariota a chance to get some reps in a competitive setting after missing the first four games through injury. It did not go well.

Mariota couldn't get anything going during his time on the field. Things seemed to be happening quickly for the former No. 2 pick, which is understandable to a certain extent considering he's been out of action for a while. His final QBR of 0.4 was a testament to his lack of production despite the result being a foregone conclusion when he came into the lineup.

The Oregon product struggled, but shaking off the rust was arguably the biggest objective from Mariota's perspective. Besides, the Commanders aren't planning on having him taking starting reps when the stakes are highest so long as Daniels is healthy enough to participate.

With Jeff Driskel also around, the Commanders need more from Mariota if situations like this emerge again. However, a situation could also emerge where general manager Adam Peters examines potential suitors in the trade market before the deadline.

Winner No. 5

Commanders defense

The light has come on for Washington's defense. Whatever Joe Whitt Jr. has done to simplify the schematics and motivate his players is having the desired effect. They've been outstanding for the last seven quarters of competitive action, which is a tremendous boost for a team that is riding an unrelenting wave of positivity right now.

Washington got its tails up early. All of their big performers stepped up. They looked assured at all three levels of the field and made big plays in key moments. Perhaps the most enthusiastic element of this Week 5 equation was the amount of pressure the Commanders put on struggling quarterback Deshaun Watson en route to seven sacks, 11 quarterback hits, and seven tackles for loss.

This is a remarkable turnaround - one that makes the Commanders a complete package looking at how the offense and special teams are performing. Expectations are growing exponentially with every passing week, but Whitt knows next weekend at the Baltimore Ravens will be the acid test for this rapidly improving unit.

Keeping quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry in check is a different proposition entirely. The Commanders are brimming with confidence, so this promises to be a mouth-watering battle between two teams well on course for the postseason through five weeks.

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