The good thing about now being in the regular season is that the games come thick and fast. Things didn't quite go according to plan for the Washington Commanders in Week 1, but getting the chance to twist the knife into their most hated rival is all the motivation they need this weekend.
And winning the individual matchups is crucial.
Like the Commanders, the Dallas Cowboys are also coming off an opening-day loss. Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but starting 0-2 is the concerning fate awaiting one of these clubs heading into Week 3.
With the Commanders facing the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks next up after their trip to AT&T Stadium, this simply cannot happen.
It's a time for strong resolve and big characters. And these Commanders players have to win matchups that might not be all that favorable.
Washington Commanders players trapped in troubling mismatches against the Dallas Cowboys
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
It's not been a good week for Mike Sainristil. The third-year cornerback has faced significant heat after another subpar effort against the Philadelphia Eagles, following an indifferent 2025 campaign in which interceptions masked his poor overall production.
Head coach Dan Quinn criticized him publicly, which was very out of character. Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones called for more urgency from Sainristil, and the player even admitted his abysmal Week 1 contribution could have been put down to a lack of effort.
That is simply unacceptable, and it's a big reason why the Commanders signed Isaac Yiadom off the practice squad and onto their active roster.
While all hope hasn't completely vanished with Sainristil, it's clear patience might be wearing thin. And the last thing he probably wants to see is the Cowboys wide receiver duo of George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb in his crosshairs.
Pickens and Lamb will have watched the tape. They'll know Sainristil may be a weak link, so the Michigan product can expect to get targeted early and often.
Brandon Coleman - Commanders OT
Laremy Tunsil is gone. His torn triceps injury might land him on the shelf for the entire 2026 campaign. It's a major blow, but the Commanders can't do much about it.
This is all about moving forward positively. Brandoon Coleman is now on the blindside, and even though his performance against the Eagles could have been better, it's worth remembering that transitioning back to the edge isn't easy.
Coleman will have gained a lot from Week 1. There were some flaws in pass protection, and the Eagles had no trouble generating pressure with four linemen. Not ideal, but any team will suffer without a player of Tunsil's caliber.
The 2024 third-round pick out of TCU has to raise the stakes this weekend. Coleman will face either Rashan Gary or Donovan Ezeiruaku, which is no easy task while he is still adjusting.
The Commanders need Coleman to provide assured protection. Gary and Ezeiruaku are more than capable of pushing the offensive tackle if he doesn't.
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