The Washington Commanders finally gave their fans something to cheer about, snapping an eight-game losing streak with a 29-21 win over the New York Giants. It was a much-needed breath of fresh air in a season that’s been anything but smooth.
Now sitting at 4-10, Washington heads into a tough NFC East matchup this Saturday against the division-leading Philadelphia Eagles. But while the win was a bright spot, the bigger story is what the rest of this season is really about: development, evaluation, and building for the future.
Jayden Daniels Shut Down for the Season
On Monday, the Commanders announced that quarterback Jayden Daniels won’t play again this season. The decision is part medical-Daniels still hasn’t been cleared for contact after aggravating a previously dislocated left elbow-but it’s also about the big picture. With the playoffs out of reach, there’s no upside to risking further injury to the reigning 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Sure, fans would’ve loved to see more of Daniels down the stretch. He’s been the spark plug for this offense and a reason to tune in every week.
But the long-term health of your franchise quarterback takes priority. That said, these final weeks still matter-for the young players who are trying to prove they belong and for a coaching staff that needs answers heading into what promises to be a pivotal offseason.
Young Talent Steps Up
Even without Daniels under center, several young Commanders made their presence felt in Sunday’s win.
Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt turned in a strong performance, rushing 18 times for 96 yards and a touchdown. He ran with purpose and vision, showing the kind of burst that could earn him a bigger role moving forward.
Rookie wide receiver Jaylin Lane continues to be electric in the return game. His 63-yard punt return touchdown was his second of the season and a reminder that special teams can still be a game-changer. He’s giving Washington a real weapon in that phase of the game.
Second-year cornerback Mike Sainristil had a huge moment before halftime, picking off a pass and returning it 55 yards to set up a field goal. It was a momentum-shifting play and the kind of heads-up football you want to see from a young defender.
And let’s not forget second-year tight end Ben Sinnott, who hauled in a critical 36-yard catch in the fourth quarter. These are the kinds of flashes that matter when evaluating who might be part of the core going forward.
But Snap Counts Raise Questions
While some young players got their shot, others were curiously underutilized-especially on defense.
Second-year linebacker Jordan Magee, who’s been active in every game and has seen his defensive role grow since Week 7, played just 14 snaps on defense against the Giants. That’s his lowest total since Week 6.
Meanwhile, veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner played every single snap-again. Wagner’s leadership and experience are undeniable, and he still has value, especially against the run.
But in coverage, he’s been a liability. And if this season is about evaluating the future, shouldn’t Magee be getting more run?
Same goes for second-year defensive tackle Johnny Newton. He played 23 snaps on Sunday-solid, but not exactly a heavy workload considering the defense was on the field for 68 total snaps.
Newton has also been getting some looks at defensive end, which makes sense given his versatility. But Washington needs to find out what they really have in him.
Is he a foundational piece on the line? Or just a rotational depth guy?
These next few weeks are the time to find out.
Even more puzzling: rookie linebackers Ale Kaho and Kain Medrano played a combined 36 snaps-but all on special teams. Why not give them a look on defense?
Even in a limited package? If you’re not evaluating young talent now, when will you?
Time to Shift the Focus
Let’s be honest-Washington’s defense hasn’t exactly been a strength this year. And with major changes likely coming this offseason, this is the perfect window to see what the young guys can do.
The veterans have had their reps. The film is there.
But the future? That’s still being written.
These last few games aren’t just about playing out the string. They’re about identifying future starters, building depth, and figuring out who’s going to be part of the next chapter.
That means more snaps for Magee. More reps for Newton.
And maybe even a defensive series or two for Kaho and Medrano.
There’s no playoff push left to chase. But there’s plenty of work still to be done. And for a franchise trying to chart a new course, that work starts now.