5 winners and losers from the Commanders win at Patriots in Week 9

Who were the big winners and losers from a hugely important Washington Commanders victory at the New England Patriots in Week 9?

Pressure was mounting on influential figures within the Washington Commanders after another difficult week. Losing to the Philadelphia Eagles coupled with trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young meant a big reaction was needed, which thankfully arrived en route to an impressive road victory in Week 9 at the New England Patriots.

The Commanders made harder work of it than needed, but they came through when it mattered. On more than one occasion this season, they've exceeded expectations performance-wise without the right result, so this represented a nice change of pace.

There is a lot of hard work ahead - especially considering the daunting run of fixtures coming over the second half of 2023. But this keeps the wolves from Ron Rivera's door for another week if nothing else as the head coach continues to fight for his future beyond the current campaign.

With that being said, here are five winners and losers from Washington's vital win at Gillette Stadium.

Loser No. 1

NFL officials

This is becoming a widespread problem around the league. The officiating is worse than ever despite the higher stakes, which was evident almost from start to finish and centered around a disgraceful roughing the passer call that denied rookie fifth-rounder K.J. Henry a sack.

If this call is roughing the passer, the sport is finished. There is an understandable need to ensure safety, but Henry can count himself extremely unfortunate to be flagged for what looked like a phenomenal play and genuine tackle.

This wasn't the only bad call on both sides, either. But the Washington Commanders and others around the league are unlikely to get an apology anytime soon.

Winner No. 1

Emmanuel Forbes - Commanders CB

It's been a rocky ride for Emmanuel Forbes to begin his NFL career. The rookie cornerback's been given a baptism of fire by some elite-level weapons this season, which resulted in the Washington Commanders benching their first-round selection to raise concerns about whether those in power made the right call at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Forbes hinted via his Instagram story that he was in line for prominent work in Week 9. That proved to be the case, and the former Mississippi State standout was eager not to waste such an opportunity versus a less-than-stellar New England Patriots passing attack led by struggling quarterback Mac Jones.

This was Forbes' best pro game by a considerable margin. The slender figure looked assured in coverage, maintaining discipline and keeping his eyes right where they needed to be in pursuit of making plays.

There's just no telling what this might do for Forbes' confidence long-term. Putting him against another physically imposing wideout next weekend at the Seattle Seahawks in D.K. Metcalf might be a step too far, but it would be a shock if we didn't see an improved contribution over the second half of 2023 after this.

Washington's belief never wavered in Forbes. Taking him out of the firing was the right call, which lit a fire under the defensive back when the time came for increased responsibilities.

Winner No. 2

Antonio Gibson - Commanders RB

It's been an indifferent season for Antonio Gibson up to this point. The running back is playing second-fiddle to Brian Robinson Jr. as expected, with his ball security issues also coming up to cast further doubt on his future with the Washington Commanders once the player's contract expires next spring.

The talent where Gibson is concerned cannot be questioned. The former third-round selection demonstrated this to full effect in Week 9 at the New England Patriots, displaying the sort of dual-threat ability that makes him an intriguing weapon in Eric Bieniemy's expansive offensive scheme.

Gibson arguably benefitted from Curtis Samuel's absence more than most. He also looked fiercely determined to take advantage of every carry and target en route to his best performance of the 2023 campaign.

The one-time Memphis standout gained 34 rushing yards on just six carries. Gibson also became a dependable presence in the passing game, securing all five of his targets for 42 receiving yards - bringing his yardage to 76 in total.

Much like Emmanuel Forbes' production on the defensive side of things, this was a major step in a positive direction for Gibson. One that could result in the player featuring more heavily moving forward.

Robinson will still get the bulk of carries despite his costly fumble at Gillette Stadium. But it's Gibson's productivity in the passing game that brings hope for optimism with Bieniemy calling the shots.

Winner No. 3

Sam Howell - Commanders QB

There is a growing belief that the Washington Commanders might be onto something with Sam Howell. Reports emanating from the organization in recent days suggest there is a growing consensus about his chances as the franchise option under center, which is a dream scenario for the player and a team that's been crying out for quarterback consistency since Kirk Cousins left town.

Howell's performed well without getting wins on occasion this season. Thankfully, his standout effort in Week 9 at the New England Patriots was rewarded.

The former fifth-round selection did throw an ill-advised interception, but aside from that it was another good effort. Howell's pocket awareness and decision-making have come on leaps and bounds in recent weeks, which is matched by a live arm and ability to fit the football into tight windows with ease.

Another 300-yard passing game puts Howell second league-wide in passing yards gained. Not even the brightest optimist would have predicted this before the campaign, so it's not hard to why things are looking so promising for the North Carolina product.

Howell's overall demeanor and leadership by example have everyone in the locker room pulling for their signal-caller. There is a lot of football left and the prospect of changes to the coaching staff raises doubts, but the young gunslinger couldn't have done much more over his first nine games as the team's starter.

Winner No. 4

Ron Rivera - Commanders HC

It was a tough week for Ron Rivera heading into their game at the New England Patriots. Another loss, trading two starting defensive ends, and questions about his power waning dictated as much, but the head coach responded by resolutely leading his team to their fourth victory of the campaign.

Rivera's growing influence on the defensive side of things was notable in this one. The Commanders ran a lot more Cover 1 than ever, relying on their gifted secondary to pick up the slack in the absence of two pass-rushers with a combined 11.5 sacks between them this season.

The former linebacker also handled in-game situations a lot better, particularly in clock management and challenging a big catch that went the Washington Commanders' way upon further review. Rivera's long-term aspirations remain in jeopardy, but credit, where it's due, for having his team prepared in the right way versus one of the greatest head coaches of all time.

Looking at the jubilant scenes after the win, the players are still fighting with everything they have for Rivera. That's always half the battle when a team is struggling, but there are plenty of challenging hurdles left to overcome before his future is determined one way or another.

Until then, all Rivera can do is take things from week to week and let the chips fall where they may.