Mike Sainristil continues to be one of the most fascinating-and frustrating-players on Washington’s roster. The Commanders' young cornerback once again showed why he’s both a spark plug and a liability in the same breath, delivering a rollercoaster performance in the team’s much-needed win over the New York Giants.
That win snapped an eight-game losing streak and, while it won’t fix everything, it does give Washington some breathing room in the NFC East standings. More importantly, it offered a glimpse into what this team might look like if its young core keeps developing. And Sainristil, for better or worse, is right in the middle of that conversation.
Let’s start with the good-because when Sainristil makes a play, it’s often a game-changer.
With just under two minutes left in the first half, the Giants were trailing 13-7 and trying to mount a late scoring drive. Instead, Washington’s defense forced a quick three-and-out.
On the ensuing punt, Jaylin Lane took it to the house, flipping the momentum in a big way. But the Commanders weren’t done yet.
On the Giants’ next possession, Jaxson Dart tried to push the ball downfield and targeted Jalin Hyatt near the Washington 20. Sainristil read it like a book.
He jumped the route, snatched the interception, and nearly took it all the way back to the opposite red zone. It was his fourth pick of the season-more than the rest of the Commanders’ defense combined.
He’s also leading the team in pass breakups with nine.
That’s the upside. That’s the player who flashes elite instincts, quick-twitch reactions, and a nose for the football. That’s the guy you build around in the secondary.
But then there’s the other side of the coin.
Sainristil has had his share of missteps this season, and Sunday was no exception. In the fourth quarter, Wan’Dale Robinson got the better of him for a touchdown-another reminder that while Sainristil can make highlight-reel plays, he’s also susceptible to giving up big ones.
Since being moved to outside corner following injuries to Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos, Sainristil has shown improvement. He’s held his own more often than not, but lapses in coverage still pop up, especially against quick, shifty receivers.
He’s not a shutdown corner yet, and he may never be. But he’s a playmaker-and in today’s NFL, that matters.
The Commanders have to live with the highs and lows. Because while Sainristil may give up a few, he’s also the only defensive back on this roster consistently taking the ball away. That kind of production is hard to find, and even harder to replace.
Looking ahead, Washington will likely bring in a new defensive coordinator next season. A fresh scheme and coaching voice could help Sainristil clean up the coverage busts and tighten his technique. But even if he stays a bit of a rollercoaster, the Commanders have something valuable in No. 0: a defensive back who can change a game in a single snap.
And right now, that’s a piece worth holding onto.