5 winners and losers from the Commanders preseason win vs. Bengals

Loser No. 2

Chris Paul - Commanders OL

Ron Rivera has yet to name a confirmed starter at the left guard position, which is strange considering how important continuity is on the offensive line. The Washington Commanders have overseen a competition between Saahdiq Charles and Chris Paul throughout workouts, with the head coach also highlighting the possibility of rookie Ricky Stromberg being introduced to the protection as the campaign progresses.

This cannot become a weak link if the Commanders want to make the improvements needed on offense under Eric Bieniemy. Charles has dealt with injury issues once again this summer, but Paul didn't do his chances of starting reps any favors with a disappointing effort overall against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Upon further examination of the game film, Paul never looked comfortable at any stage. The former seventh-rounder was sluggish in pass protection, didn't get out on pulls with any urgency, and was even called for a crucial penalty to further compound his misery.

Paul's underwhelming display should be seen as a blip rather than anything more serious. He's done well throughout the preparation period to give himself a fighting chance of more involvement, although this subpar effort might be enough for the Commanders to start the campaign with Charles as their left-sided interior presence.

That might sound harsh. But Rivera and the Commanders have absolutely no margin for error this time around.