Commanders Vs. Ravens – Studs and Duds

Washington’s trip just up the beltway didn’t quite work out as planned. The Ravens exposed the weaknesses of the Commanders defense and pretty much had their way offensively all game. Dan Quinn’s group didn’t back down however, showing great resilience and the ability to put points on the board against one of the league’s best defenses.

In the end, it just wasn’t quite enough. However, this game did show us a few things: 1) This team can be competitive with Daniels under center; and 2) Washington is still quite a bit away from being considered one of the elite teams in this league.

Below are my Studs and Duds of the game, followed by some Notes.

Studs:

Jayden Daniels – Going against the best defense he’s seen as a pro, Daniels did all he could to keep Washington in this game. He was an efficient 24-35 (including two drops) for 269 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 22 rushing yards. He did throw a pass that should have been an easy interception, but luckily it was dropped.

Terry McLaurin – Terry led the team in receptions with six and had 53 yards while hauling in two receiving touchdowns on the afternoon. His fourth down touchdown reception was beautiful.

Mike Sainristil – I know the secondary didn’t play very well, but I didn’t think Sainristil was to blame. I saw him in pretty solid coverage, and he was coming up and throwing his body around when it came to taking on blockers and running backs. He also recorded his first career interception early in the first quarter. He was one of the lone bright spots in the back end.

Dante Fowler – The Commanders front four generated very little pressures on the afternoon. Fowler was one exception, recording four tackles, three for a loss, two sacks (one was more of a coverage sack), and three pressures.

Duds:

Benjamin St-Juste – We’ve all seen this movie before. One week St-Juste looks great, then the next he comes out and commits multiple penalties, gives up 100 easy catches to receivers he’s tasked with guarding and just looks out of place on the football field. Well, as you may have guessed, this game was the latter.

Daron Payne – Payne did not record a meaningful stat during the game. I think I saw him chasing a ball carrier once, but can’t be 100 percent sure on that. I think Mathis and Newton are having just as much impact on the defense as Payne; and for a FRACTION of the cost!

Andrew Wylie – Wylie really struggled on the edge. He gave up a sack, allowed multiple pressures and had two accepted penalties (false start and a hold).

Emmanuel Forbes – This may be the first time I’ve ever named a player who didn’t actually play in the game as a Dud – but that’s exactly what Forbes’ career has come to. It’s sad he’s as bad a player as he is, but what’s even more embarrassing is he can’t even see the field amongst this rag-tag group of corners we have. The young man didn’t draft himself or bench himself, so I guess I really should blame Ron Rivera.

Tony Romo – Romo continued throughout the ENTIRE game to draw on the teleprompter WHILE THE LIVE PLAY WAS GOING ON! It was so damn annoying.

Notes:

• Frankie Luvu came back down to earth after a stellar game last week. He didn’t add much in terms of pass rushing and his coverage and tackling were pretty much absent.
• It would be really nice to see one of our safeties make a great play on a pass at least once this season.
• Noah Igbinoghene didn’t play very well (being used mostly in the slot), but he wasn’t as bad as some others. At least he looked like he was hustling on most plays even when he was beat.
• Brandon Coleman has shown some good and bad in games this year. He gave up pretty quick pressure and a sack off the edge in the fourth quarter, but I did see him show some good feet and athleticism a few times to ride his man past Daniels.

• Jeremy Chinn lost coverage a few times against the Ravens tight ends. I don’t pin our coverage struggles on him, but the lapses need to be pointed out.
• I really hope Jon Allen’s pec injury isn’t bad enough to hurt his already diminishing trade value.
• Austin Ekeler continues to show his value as a receiver in the passing game. He averaged 11.8 yards per reception with a long of 25 for the game.
• Daron Payne should be considered a trade candidate at the deadline.