Last week, Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil had a rough introduction to NFL regular season games.
But coach Dan Quinn likes what he sees in Sainristil: his work during the week, preparation, and mindset. Quinn believes in Sainristil and that the former Michigan Wolverine cornerback will bounce back and play well this Sunday against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium.
“I think what we have grown accustomed to with Mike is the urgency he can play with,” expressed Quinn. The blitzing, the communication, the owning the leverage onto whomever he is guarding.”
Sainristil was in on six tackles last week (5 solo, one assist), but he also found himself beaten badly on a few occasions by Buccaneer receivers. It was undoubtedly a learning experience for a slot corner in his first regular-season NFL game.
Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. brought Sainristil four times on a blitz of Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield in Week 1. Meanwhile, in pass coverage, the Bucs targeted Sainristil six times, completing five against him for 58 passing yards and 11.6 yards given up per completion.
Though Sainristil had a lot to think about in the opener, Quinn believes in him, and they are still planning on giving him many differing tasks on Sunday against Daniel Jones and the New York Giants.
“Each week, it could play a little different, depending on who is in the slot (corner),” added Quinn. “I’m really looking forward to watching him in this home opener. I really am. He’s just got a great presence about him. In this game they’ll be in a lot of different spots, and where all the heat is, so it will be a good thing.”
With Emmanuel Forbes out for a few weeks (thumb surgery), look for Mike Davis and Noah Igbinoghene to get more snaps on Sunday.