Commanders Vs. Broncos – Studs and Duds

For what we all deemed a wasted season, Washington actually showed some fight in this game. Dan Quinn taking over defensive play calling had made a HUGE difference, and players are now able to not overthink things and just go out and play football.

Despite the 27-26 overtime loss, I was very proud of this team. They looked the part on both sides of the football, and certainly have not packed it in.

It is definitely a wasted season at this point, but there is a glimmer of hope that this team is still not that far from competing with a strong offseason and healthy roster.

Below are my Studs and Duds, followed by some notes.

Studs:

• Washington Offensive Line: I know this group often gets overlooked, but they were really good all game. Tunsil was a rock at left tackle and Conerly has been steadily improving on the right side. Cosmi and Paul were paving the way on inside zone runs, consistently getting to the second level defenders and Biadasz did a nice job adjusting protections. This unit put up 143 rushing yards against a very good Denver defense and kept Mariota clean most of the night. Watch the block of Sam Cosmi on the second clip below…

• Marcus Mariota: I understand he had a HORRIBLE interception, but I have to look at his entire resume here against an elite NFL defense. If it wasn’t for Marcus’ play all evening, Washington would have never been in this game with a legit chance to win it in overtime. Mariota accounted for 349 yards of offense (294 passing and 55 rushing) and continued to make big plays when the team needed them most.

• Zach Ertz: Ertz came up HUGE all game. He was getting open in zones and was even showing some RAC ability – something we haven’t seen much of this season. He led the team with 10 catches for 106 yards.

• Terry McLaurin: Terry started off slowly in his first game action in weeks since being sidelined with a leg injury, but he heated up when the team needed him the most. He came up huge in overtime and scored a touchdown that would give Washington a chance to win the game. He finished with seven receptions for 96 yards and the score.

• Treylon Burks: This was the catch-of-the-year in the NFL, so I HAD to give him stud status! I hope we bring this man back for 2026!

• Daron Payne: I thought Payne played really well on the inside. He was getting into the backfield on multiple occasions and tallied five total tackles, one for a loss, and multiple pressures.

• Mike Sainristil: It’s clear that Sainristil plays much better on the outside and is more comfortable in zone than man. Kudos to Dan Quinn for making this change. Mikey had a nice game both in run support and coverage. I thought it was the best he’s played all season.

• Dan Quinn: After taking over play-calling duties from Joe Whitt, this unit is starting to look like a professional defense again. We are still lacking way too many key pieces, but Quinn is making the best of the situation – something Whitt could not do.

Duds:

• Chris Collinsworth: For using the “French version” of Mariota’s name all evening. I wanted to jump through my TV!

• Von Miller: He pulled a complete disappearing act against his old team.

• Johnny Newton: I think it’s safe to call him a but at this point. He literally contributes NOTHING!

Notes:

• Bobby Wagner played a lot better this game, even corralling a big interception off of Bo Nix. He’s still a liability in coverage and on outside runs, but this was the best he’s looked in weeks!

• Jordan Magee continues to flash and has shown he has a bright future here in DC.

• Even Quan Martin looks better in this Dan Quinn defense!

• Will Harris had some up and downs in his return to action from a broken leg, but the secondary looked a lot better with him back there.

• Frankie Luvu was getting nice pressure on Nix throughout the game. He got a sack on a loop-stunt where he was persistent around the edge and never gave up on the play.

• In his Washington debut, Jake Moody made both of his field goal attempts (one to send the game into overtime) and both extra points.

• Noah Igbinoghene played well in coverage and was laying the lumber in the run game.

• Chris Paul needs a contract extension this offseason.

• Arvell Reese anyone?????