Who were the big winners and losers from a gut-wrenching loss for the Washington Commanders in Week 10 at the Seattle Seahawks?
Despite a valiant effort, it was another near-miss for the Washington Commanders. One that put a significant dent in their slim hopes of reaching one of the NFC's wildcard spots in 2023.
The Commanders are now staring down the barrel of another losing season. Washington's had plenty of moral victories and this was another at the Seattle Seahawks, but it doesn't matter in the slightest when their final record is determined at the campaign's conclusion.
Washington has no time to wallow in self-pity with two straight divisional games upcoming within a few days of each other. Anything less than two wins might come with grave consequences attached.
As the page turns on Week 10, here are five winners and losers from the Commanders' defeat at Lumen Field.
Winner No. 1
Tress Way - Commanders P
This might have been a little overlooked in the grand scheme of things, but punter Tress Way's production and composure in the face of pressure was nothing short of outstanding in Week 10. Aside from his decent-enough game from a kicking standpoint, the perennial Pro Bowler's ability to turn bad snaps into successful holds on special teams was of critical importance.
Just what long-snapper Camaron Cheeseman was doing throughout this one is anyone's guess. The wet conditions made things more difficult, but that doesn't excuse the constant stream of bad snaps that would have cost the Washington Commanders points had it not been for Way's quick reactions.
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Loser No. 1
Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB
Losing Emmanuel Forbes through a controversial ejection almost immediately for a late hit on wide receiver Tyler Lockett meant the Washington Commanders were without a prominent starter within their secondary. This put the onus squarely on others to step up, with Benjamin St-Juste's role going from important to almost indispensable in the blink of an eye.
St-Juste started the game well enough going up against D.K. Metcalf. However, the former third-round selection regressed at the worst possible time down the stretch.
The one-time Minnesota standout went through the worst five-play stretch anyone could imagine. St-Juste was called for penalties, gave up big plays, and struggled to cope with being targeted heavily when the Seattle Seahawks identified him as a potential weak link.
Would things have been different had Forbes been on the field? Probably not given how the No. 16 overall selection has struggled more often than not this season.
St-Juste should be held to a higher standard as a more experienced figure. That's why his lackluster consistency in coverage and poor discipline with the contest at stake was a big-time disappointment.
This was a game decided by fine margins. Had St-Juste been more consistent when the pressure was on, the result might have been different - we'll never know for sure.
Winner No. 2
Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders have been waiting for Brian Robinson Jr. to break out in the running game. While this didn't materialize - at least in the first half - at the Seattle Seahawks, the former third-round pick made his presence felt in the passing attack for arguably the first time in his professional career.
Sam Howell found Robinson with supreme improvisation early in the game for a big gain. This provided the confidence needed to continue looking for the second-year pro, who brought in all six of his targets for 119 receiving yards and one touchdown in recognition of his outstanding efforts.
Robinson also managed 38 rushing yards on eight touches, which represents a decent 4.8 yards-per-carry average. Had the Commanders not opted to deploy him between the tackles on several occasions, this number would have been much greater.
Of course, the result wasn't what the Commanders hoped for - one that significantly diminished their chances of attaining a wildcard berth. However, the Alabama product can look back on his contribution with a real sense of pride.
Hopefully, this can be the springboard that ignites Robinson to greater heights over Washington's remaining seven games. It should also give offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy more belief that he can deliver when it comes to catching passes out of the backfield - something that wasn't necessarily there before the campaign.
Loser No. 2
Jack Del Rio - Commanders DC
Time is running out for Jack Del Rio.
The Washington Commanders defensive coordinator couldn't adjust enough in-game to counteract the shift in dynamic from the Seattle Seahawks, who switched to a pass-heavy attack. This was down in no small part to the lack of pass-rushing prowess without the recently traded defensive end tandem of Montez Sweat and Chase Young.
It looked for a long time as if the Commanders might be able to pull off a major upset. Their offense was clicking and quarterback Sam Howell did more than enough to win the game, but Del Rio's defense was once again Washington's downfall.
Giving up 489 total yards is unacceptable. Del Rio's outdated concepts are holding this team back and even when he did call blitzes to everyone's surprise, they didn't have the desired effect.
When the Commanders examine the wreckage of what looks like another losing season, fingers are going to be pointed squarely at Del Rio's defense. Ron Rivera has been reluctant to make staffing changes, but that'll be taken out of his hands by Josh Harris' ownership group at some stage.
Rivera is another firmly on the hot seat. Even if the head coach does somehow get a reprieve - which seems highly unlikely at this juncture - he cannot keep faith with Del Rio and may even have to pull the trigger much sooner than that in pursuit of saving his job.
Winner No. 3
Sam Howell - Commanders QB
Amid all the doom - and there's been plenty of that for the Washington Commanders this season - one shining light has emerged. One that represents hope for the future after so long without a legitimate franchise quarterback.
Sam Howell looks like he's the guy. The first one since Kirk Cousins who can provide stable production under center and make things happen in crucial moments.
Aside from an ill-advised fumble when fighting for extra yardage, Howell's performance was encouraging. He went over 300 yards once again to move himself up to No. 1 in passing yards league-wide, adding three touchdowns through the air and not throwing a single interception along the way.
Howell's poise in the pocket and his manipulation of said pocket are coming on a great deal. His decision-making is right where it needs to be currently and Eric Bieniemy now fully knows how to get the best out of his signal-caller.
As signs are pointing up for Howell. Sunday's game against the lowly New York Giants is another chance for the North Carolina product to cement his status as this team's starting quarterback next season.
The Commanders always have a chance with Howell. It's other areas that are in dire need of improvement.
Howell is always keen to focus on the result rather than his performance. But there is a growing consensus that a special future could be in the offing if the team builds around him effectively.