Commanders’ Mike Sainristil Showing Signs of a Turnaround - Just in Time
There’s been no shortage of questions surrounding the Washington Commanders’ defense this season, but one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the final stretch of the year centers on second-year cornerback Mike Sainristil. After a rocky start that had fans wondering if his standout rookie season was a fluke, Sainristil is starting to show flashes of the player he once looked destined to become - and the timing couldn’t be more important.
Let’s rewind for a second. Sainristil came into the league with a bang, quickly turning heads with his instincts, physicality, and ball skills.
But the high bar he set early on made this season’s early struggles all the more glaring. He was getting targeted frequently, often a step behind in coverage, and at times looked like a liability in the secondary.
But Week 13 against the Broncos? That was a different story.
You probably didn’t hear Sainristil’s name much during that overtime loss - and that’s a good thing. For a cornerback, silence often means you’re doing your job.
No big plays allowed, no highlight-reel mistakes. Just steady, reliable coverage.
And that’s exactly what Sainristil delivered.
A Role Change That’s Paying Off
One of the key reasons for his improved play? A shift in position.
Earlier in the season, Sainristil was working primarily out of the slot - a role that demands quick reactions, tight coverage, and the ability to handle shifty receivers in space. But once injuries hit Washington’s cornerback room - most notably to Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos - Sainristil was pushed to the outside.
And just like last year, that move seems to have unlocked something.
Head coach Dan Quinn took notice. After the Denver game, he praised both Sainristil and fellow young defender Josh Conerly for stepping up, calling it their “best group game” - even if the result didn’t go their way.
That’s not just coach-speak. It’s a sign that the coaching staff sees growth, and more importantly, sees potential.
The Final Five Games Matter - A Lot
Now, with five games left in the regular season, Sainristil has a golden opportunity. He’s already picked off three passes this year, so the playmaking is still there.
But consistency has been the missing piece. If he can string together a strong finish, he’ll not only quiet the critics - he’ll re-establish himself as a foundational piece of this defense moving forward.
That’s especially important given the broader picture in Washington’s secondary. Trey Amos showed real promise before his injury, and the hope is that he and Sainristil could form a dynamic young duo at cornerback. If both can stay healthy and develop, the Commanders would have two starting-caliber corners on rookie deals for the next two seasons - a massive advantage in roster building.
But if Sainristil stumbles again, the conversation could shift quickly. With safety already shaping up to be a major offseason need - Quan Martin hasn’t taken the step forward many hoped for - Washington can’t afford more uncertainty in the secondary. Another investment at corner might become necessary, and that’s not ideal when there are already other holes to fill.
A Crucial Stretch for a Talented Young Corner
The good news? Sainristil seems to be trending in the right direction.
The move to the outside has clearly helped, and he’s playing with more confidence and discipline. There’s still work to be done - no one’s handing out long-term projections off one solid performance - but the signs are encouraging.
For a player who once looked like a future star, these next few weeks are about proving that wasn’t just rookie-year magic. If Sainristil can keep building on this momentum, he could end the season not just as a starter, but as a cornerstone.
And for a Commanders team in transition, that kind of clarity in the secondary would be a big win.