Commanders’ Frustrations Boil Over as Kinlaw Ejected in Blowout Loss to Eagles
The Washington Commanders’ brief spark from their win over the Giants didn’t carry over. Instead, it fizzled out in brutal fashion against the Philadelphia Eagles, culminating in their 11th loss of the season - and an ugly one at that.
By the time the Eagles punched in a late touchdown and tacked on a two-point conversion to stretch the score to 29-10, the game was all but over on the scoreboard. But on the field, things were just heating up.
What followed was a sideline-clearing brawl that underscored the frustration simmering within this Commanders team. Two Washington players were ejected: safety Quan Martin and defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw - both of whom have had their share of struggles this season.
For Kinlaw, this marked his second on-field altercation of the year, and unfortunately, it’s been one of the more memorable parts of his season.
A Costly Investment That Hasn’t Paid Off
When Washington made Kinlaw their marquee free-agent signing this past offseason, it raised eyebrows around the league. The Commanders handed the former first-round pick a $15 million-per-year deal - a significant investment for a player whose production in San Francisco never quite matched his draft pedigree.
Five seasons into his NFL career, Kinlaw has yet to deliver consistent impact. He’s still looking for his first sack in a Commanders uniform.
Through this point in the season, he’s posted just four tackles for loss and three quarterback hits. There have been flashes - a solid run stop here, a disruptive push there - but the splash plays have been few and far between.
And now, with multiple in-game altercations on his resume, the narrative around Kinlaw is shifting from underperforming to undisciplined.
A Pattern Emerging
This isn’t the first time Kinlaw’s emotions have gotten the better of him. Back in Week 10 against the Lions, he and fellow defensive tackle Daron Payne got into it with Detroit receiver Amon-Ra St.
Brown. That incident ended with St.
Brown being ejected and suspended, while Kinlaw - who made contact with an official during the melee - avoided major consequences.
But his luck ran out against Philadelphia.
After tempers flared late in the fourth quarter, Kinlaw was seen throwing punches at Eagles offensive lineman Tyler Steen. As he was being escorted off the field, he flipped off the crowd - a moment that will undoubtedly draw the attention of the league office.
Whether it results in a fine, suspension, or both, it’s another mark against a player who was brought in to be a difference-maker on the defensive front. Instead, he’s become a lightning rod for criticism.
Bigger Than Coaching
Head coach Dan Quinn has taken his fair share of heat this season, and understandably so. But moments like this point to a deeper issue.
Culture isn’t just about schemes or speeches - it’s about players who embody accountability, toughness, and discipline. Right now, Washington’s locker room is struggling to find that identity.
Kinlaw’s outburst isn’t just a bad look - it’s a reminder that building a winning team requires more than talent on paper. It takes the right mindset, the right leadership, and players who can keep their composure when the game gets tough.
There’s still time for Kinlaw to flip the script. The talent is there. But if the Commanders are going to turn things around, they’ll need more than flashes - they’ll need consistency, maturity, and production from the players they’ve invested in.
Right now, that $15 million price tag is looking like a bet that hasn’t come close to paying off.