5 winners and losers from Commanders win at the Falcons in Week 6

Who were the big winners and losers from the Washington Commanders' hard-fought victory at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6?

It wasn't pretty. But the result is all that mattered for the Washington Commanders after losing three straight and embarrassing themselves on Thursday Night Football against the Chicago Bears.

Washington got back to winning ways thanks in no small part to the turnover differential at the Atlanta Falcons. They made it more difficult than needed, but every player rolled up their sleeves and the defense improved enough to force quarterback Desmond Ridder into his customary errors.

Building on this positivity is the next big challenge for Ron Rivera and those within the locker room. The Commanders are favored to triumph at the New York Giants in Week 7, but complacency cannot become a factor given this team remains in a precarious situation.

That's for the future. For now, here are five winners and losers from Washington's triumph at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Winner No. 1

Casey Toohill - Commanders DL

For arguably the first time this season, the defensive line rotations seemed to bear fruit. Montez Sweat going out had a lot to do with it, but this was an undoubted positive for the Washington Commanders en route to their first win in four.

Casey Toohill was the pick of the bunch, coming up with two sacks and looking like someone worthy of more reps even when everyone is healthy. He won individual matchups consistently and when the time came to make a play, he stepped up.

Sweat's thumb injury isn't deemed serious, which could impact Toohill's playing time moving forward. But his production during limited involvement should be enough to catch the eye of Washington's coaching staff.

Loser No. 1

Jahan Dotson - Commanders WR

Many across the national media and those who cover the Washington Commanders closely were expecting big things from Jahan Dotson in 2023. The wide receiver flashed as a rookie and coupled with the arrival of Eric Bieniemy, it wasn't hard to envisage a genuine breakout campaign.

That couldn't be further from the truth currently. Dotson's struggling to make the most of opportunities when they arrive, which was further reflected at the Atlanta Falcons from what turned out to be his solitary target.

Sam Howell delivered an almost perfect deep ball that would have resulted in a big gain for Dotson. However, the former first-round selection out of Penn State dropped the ball with nothing but open space ahead.

This was the last straw from Bienemy during a game where fine margins were going to play a part in the overall outcome. Dotson's number wasn't called again, which is extremely concerning when one considers the expectations surrounding the wideout before the season began.

Through six weeks, Dotson has 17 receptions for 140 receiving yards and one touchdown. The Commanders have thrown the ball a ton during this span, which places his lack of influence further under the microscope.

All hope is not lost where Dotson is concerned. But it's clear something is missing with the player right now.

Winner No. 2

Kamren Curl - Commanders S

Losing the defensive back tandem of Darrick Forrest and Jeremy Reaves to injured/reserve this week placed more pressure on the secondary heading into Week 6. The Washington Commanders did have Percy Butler and second-round pick Quan Martin to pick up the slack, but the onus was on Kamren Curl to also make his presence felt versus one of the league's best running attacks.

This was a challenge the progressive safety relished. Curl was nothing short of outstanding from start to finish at the Atlanta Falcons, coming up with big stops against the run and also making a difference in coverage on occasion to raise his influence.

Curl is looking for a long-term extension either during or after the season. The former seventh-round pick reaffirmed his importance to Jack Del Rio's defense in this one, which only strengthens his position when it's time for his representatives to begin negotiations.

The Arkansas product needs to continue this trend until Forrest is ready to return and beyond. Curl's explosiveness, aggressiveness, and exceptional instincts were needed more than ever. Thankfully, he raised his performance accordingly.

Washington's defense was much improved overall - certainly compared to their porous display against the Chicago Bears. Curl played a significant role in this growth and hopefully, it can provide the springboard needed for better fortunes ahead.

Loser No. 2

Dyami Brown - Commanders WR

For Jahan Dotson, also see Dyami Brown.

Patience is wearing extremely thin with the former third-round selection. Brown has all the physical tools needed to be a genuine threat in the passing game for the Washington Commanders, but the wideout constantly fluffs his lines when big chances arrive.

Another fine example arrived at the Atlanta Falcons. Sam Howell targeted his old teammate at North Carolina for what would have been another decent gain, but he couldn't bring in the grab and was seldom seen again.

This has been the tale of the tape where Brown is concerned throughout his NFL career. There was hope the physical specimen could significantly increase his influence within Eric Bieniemy's scheme and with a familiar face under center, but it's not working out as many envisaged through six weeks.

With six receptions for 87 receiving yards so far, Brown's once again become an afterthought. Nobody expected him to accumulate Terry McLaurin-type numbers, but improved consistency was the minimum expectation to raise trust levels if nothing else.

Sadly, it hasn't gone according to the script. If the same tired trend continues over the Commanders' remaining 11 games, then Brown might not see out his rookie deal when it's all said and done.

That would be the saddest thing of all.

Winner No. 3

Jamin Davis - Commanders LB

One could have forgiven fans for feeling a little pessimistic when Bijan Robinson went in motion to the outside and Jamin Davis followed him. The first-round running back clearly felt this was a mismatch worth exploiting, but the linebacker came up with the goods to officially confirm another Washington Commanders victory.

This was the game's biggest moment and Davis stepped up. It was the big taking point, but the interception capped off a decent display overall from the former Kentucky star in Week 6.

Davis has taken a lot of heat since being drafted. But he's been far from the team's biggest issue on defense through six weeks - it's others around him at the defensive second level that's been the issue.

The explosive figure came up with eight tackles and also helped himself to a sack. Davis deciphered running lanes exceptionally well and had the closing speed needed to reach the point of attack to prevent substantial yards on the ground.

While having Davis lined up on the outside wouldn't be the preferred method moving forward, he at least stepped up with the game on the line. Something that should do wonders for his overall confidence as the campaign progresses.

Jack Del Rio's defense turned in their best display of the season by a considerable margin. It was a collective effort, but one could argue Davis was the pick of those on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium turf.