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

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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