Quick facts from Commanders’ playoff road win over Detroit Lions

Several quick facts and stats from Commanders’ playoff win over Lions.

The Commanders are unbelievably going to the NFC Championship game after defeating the Lions 45-31 in Detroit.

Here are some of the quick facts from the Commanders’ 14th win of the season:

  • The Commanders entered Saturday’s game as either a 9.5 or 10 pt underdog against the Lions.
  • Washington won the turnover battle 5-0, with four interceptions of Jared Goff and a sack-fumble of Goff.
  • With the win, next week will be Washington’s first NFC Championship game since the 1991 season (33 years).
  • Rookie corner Mike Sainristil collected two interceptions.
  • Second-year safety Quan Martin’s pick-six from 40 yards is the second defensive touchdown for the Commanders this season. It was also the first pick-six of his NFL career.
  • Jayden Daniels completed 22 of 31 for 299 yards, two passing touchdowns, and no interceptions or sacks.
  • RB Austin Ekeler was huge, gaining 47 yards on six carries while also contributing 41 receiving yards on four receptions (88 yards from scrimmage).
  • The Washington defense, which has struggled at times this season, forced five Lions turnovers, sacked Jared Goff twice, and had five tackles for a loss.
  • Though the Commanders struggled terribly to run the ball in recent weeks, tonight, they ran 42 times, gaining 182 yards. Brian Robinson, Jayden Daniels, and Austin Ekeler rushed for 77, 51, and 47, respectively.
  • Last year’s team under Ron Rivera won four games. This year’s team under Dan Quinn is four quarters from the Super Bowl.
  • Sadly for Detroit fans, the Lions remain the only NFC team never to reach the Super Bowl.
  • Jared Goff came into the game tonight 1-4 against Dan Quinn. Tonight, Goff had four interceptions and one lost fumble.
  • The Commanders’ defense had no answer for Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs, as he gained 105 rushing yards on only 14 carries and 70 receiving yards on six receptions (175 total yards from scrimmage).
  • The 42 points scored in the second quarter are the most in NFL playoff history (Washington 28, Detroit 14). Before tonight, the Lions had a +128-point differential in the second quarter.
  • The Commanders came up with several big plays: Quan Martin’s 40-yard pick-six, completions to Terry McLaurin (58 yards), Dyami Brown (42 yards), Austin Ekeler (24 yards), John Bates (20 yards).
  • The Lions were in the red zone, about to go up 14-3, when DE Dorrance Armstrong sacked Jared Goff, forcing a fumble that LB Frankie Luvu recovered.

Quinn likes growth from Commanders’ rookies

Dan Quinn praised these Commanders’ rookies.

Dan Quinn spoke highly of two of his first-year players.

In fairness to Quinn, he didn’t actually single out the two players. The media member is the one who referenced quarterback Jayden Daniels and cornerback Mike Sainristil. So Quinn was answering the question, but in addition, Quinn thoughtfully included “and a number of their teammates.”

Quinn was asked about the growth of his first year players in the second half of the season and it preparing them for the playoffs.

“Yeah, the maturity for those [Daniels and CB Mike Sainristil] and a number of their teammates jumps out to me,” Quinn said. “And what I’ve come to know about them is these are really disciplined guys. So, motivation takes you so far; it’s the discipline and doing the things right over and over again, all of the unseen work.”

Daniels has had to adjust from his first two games of running too quickly and giving up on passing. He has made great strides during the season in using his mobility to find an open receiver. Sainristil was drafted to be more of an inside slot corner. However, injuries and unmet expectations led the staff to move Sainristil outside.

“Dealing with those guys, I’ve found that’s (discipline) the common thread. I’ve felt that these are very disciplined young guys, and they’ve really applied that discipline to their football life, and it’s no surprise that why they’re having this kind of success because they can absolutely stay in it,” Quinn said. “And that’s kind of the definition of grit, of doing those things, the hard things over and over again. And both Jayden and Mikey, they really have that.”

Commanders GM Adam Peters drafted nine players in last April’s NFL draft. Daniels, Sainristil, Ben Sinnott and Luke McCaffrey appeared in all 17 games. Jer’Zhan Newton and Brandon Coleman played in 16 games. Javontae Jean-Baptiste played in 12 games. Jordan Magee and Dominique Hampton played in eight games and one game, respectively.

Two undrafted free agents also made the team and saw action. Safety Tyler Owens played in 12 games, and tight end Colson Yankoff played in 6 games. Both are currently on the Injured Reserve list.

What did Commanders DC Joe Whitt think of last week’s performance?

Which defensive players stood out last week, according to Joe Whitt?

On Thursday, Washington defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. came ready to talk to the press.

Whitt sat down for his weekly Thursday appearance and began giving a few introductory comments as usual. He then added a few comments, a few more and kept going, 652 words in all, before he even took his first question.

Even Craig Hoffman (The Team 980) informed his listeners Thursday afternoon that Whitt was very long with his introductory comments, almost three minutes worth, conveyed Hoffman.

Understandably, Whitt began saying, “You never apologize for a win. It wasn’t the way that we wanted it to be, but like DQ (Dan Quinn) talked about, you need to be put in some hard moments. The last play was a good play, a good winning play.”

Of course, Whitt was referring to the Saints game that the Commanders led 17-0 in the third quarter when suddenly the defense couldn’t get off of the field, permitting the Saints four consecutive scoring drives in their four final offensive possessions.

Whitt then understandably voiced some of his frustration with how his defense performed in the second half.

“We had some opportunities within the game,” he said. “I think we dropped two interceptions. We had a couple penalties that kept the drives going and points were at a premium in that situation. But it was learning moments. It’s easier to come off of a victory and be more demanding after you get a victory.”

Whitt, of course, is correct; there are teachable moments during a season, and Sunday’s narrow, final-play escape should have been a wake-up call for the players. But Whitt then turned positive, seeing the big picture of the season.

“We’re 9-5, that’s a good place for us to be, and we’re trending in the right direction.”

Whitt enjoyed talking about what CB Marshon Lattimore could mean for the defense. Whitt was certain CB Mike Sainristil would get a lot more attention from opposing quarterbacks.

“But a product of having him on one side, that means Mikey on the other side [is] going to get a lot more throws at him,” Whitt said. “And he had an interception, he had an opportunity at another interception. He’s a ball guy. So, he should relish that opportunity from that standpoint.”

Choosing to name those he thought played well, Sunday, Whitt referenced DE Dorance Armstrong, S Jeremy Chinn, DT Johnny Newton and CB Noah Igbinoghene.

Seeming encouraged about Jonathan Allen’s soon return, Whitt offered, “He’s moving and looking really well, man. I’ve been pleased with what he did yesterday and he’s worked really hard to get back to where he is. And so, hopefully, the training staff will get him where he can help us in the near future.”

Adding two players the caliber of Lattimore and a healthy Jonathan Allen is good reason to encourage Whitt that some real improvement could be coming for the defense.

Commanders’ five best defensive plays through 13 games

What are the Commanders’ five best defensive plays so far this season?

What are the five best defensive plays for the Commanders in their first 13 games this 2024 season?

Over at Commanders.com, Zach Selby has put together a video and commentary on what he feels are the top five defensive plays by the Commanders.

Selby does good work, and fans can learn from him about some of the inner workings of the Commanders. He also provides some player features and interviews that fans might enjoy.

However, one objection I have, not to Selby personally, is that one of the five plays is not a defensive play. It would have been officially registered as a special teams snap rather than a defensive snap for the Commanders. But other than that, Selby’s choices are all appropriate.

Here are Selby’s top five defensive plays. See if you agree with him.

  • Dante Fowler’s Pick Six vs the Panthers in the opening drive for Carolina in the Week 7 game.
  • Quan Martin’s blocked field goal vs the Cowboys in Week 12 home game.
  • Benjamin St-Juste’s strip fumble against the Giants in Week 2 home game at Northwest Stadium.
  • Mike Sainristil’s interception against the Ravens in Baltimore in their Week 6 contest.
  • Mike Sainristil rips the ball from Titans running back Tony Pollard, giving the Commanders a short field as they raced to a 28-0 second-quarter lead against Tennessee at Northwest Stadium on Week 13.

What are your top-five defensive plays through Washington’s first 13 games? Let us know.

What do the Commanders love the most about CB Mike Sainristil?

The Commanders found a star in Mike Sainristil.

On Thursday, Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. was asked what has impressed him the most about rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil.

Whitt didn’t waste anytime answering the question.
“Mikey is just a high-level competitor. That’s what’s impressed me the most. He doesn’t shy away from anybody that’s in front of him.”


Sure enough, Sainristil was lined up outside against the likes of A.J. Brown in Washington’s 26-18 loss to Philadelphia in their Week 11 contest.

In the game, Sainristil not only provided good coverage on most of his assignments but also, for the first game this season, knocked down two passes intended for the receiver to whom he was assigned.

Whitt likes the former Michigan Wolverine’s flexibility and desire to adapt to whatever circumstances the Commanders need that week.

“We ask the young man to play inside and outside early and for the betterment of the defense and say, ‘Okay, we’re going to put you to the field, all right, and you’re going to stay there.’ And he’s made it at home.”

Coaches are always concerned with how well a rookie will adapt to the pro game. Some adapt well, and some seem to have difficulty with the upgrade in talent and complexity of schemes each week.

Whitt is confident in Sainristil’s ability to listen carefully and communicate clearly. Whitt likes Sainristil’s maturity.

“He’s not playing like a rookie, and he doesn’t communicate like a rookie. If you’ve talked to the young man, he’s very polished, he’s very mature. And so, but just the way his competitive spirit is what I’m most impressed with.”

NFL analyst says Commanders should bench Benjamin St-Juste

NFL analyst weighs in on Washington’s cornerbacks once Marshon Lattimore is healthy.

What changes will the Commanders make in the lineup when Marshon Lattimore begins to play again?

Lattimore is currently recovering from an injured hamstring. He has returned to individual sideline work but has yet to be full-speed with the team in practice.

The Commanders began this 2024 season with Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes as the outside corners, and rookie Mike Sainristil held down the slot corner role.

Sainristil has been forced outside due to Forbes’ lack of development. The rookie from Michigan has continued to make progress playing outside. There is enough progress in the mind of one NFL analyst, who expressed his opinion Wednesday.

Mark Bullock, an NFL analyst who once wrote for the Washington Post, was a guest on the “Al Galdi Podcast” on Wednesday. At one point, Bullock strongly suggested what the Commanders should do when Lattimore enters the Washington starting lineup.

“I think I would leave him (Sainristil) outside right now. Because you see the improvement, and in the Eagles game, he was very good. I don’t think long term I would leave him outside. I would leave him out there to continue improving.”

Bullock pointed out that Lattimore would be the top team’s outside corner and would leave Sainristil on the outside and play Noah Igbinoghene inside in the slot.

“He (Igbinoghene) is holding up well enough in coverage, I would leave him there and put St-Juste to the bench.”

Igbinoghene has started seven games this season and played last season under Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt in Dallas.

St-Juste was drafted in the third round by Washington in the 2021 draft. He has 48 career games at corner and has started all 11 games this season at outside corner for the Commanders.

Meanwhile, Forbes continues to disappoint the staff, is not getting playing time, and may end up being another round-one bust pick by former head coach and general manager Ron Rivera. Michael Davis appears to have passed Forbes on the depth chart, getting defensive snaps against the Eagles.

Rivera missed on Chase Young (2020), Jamin Davis (2021), Jahan Dotson (2022) and now possibly on Forbes (2023) as well.

Dan Quinn announces Commanders’ captains vs Eagles

The Eagles will see a familiar face as one of the Commanders’ captains.

Dan Quinn Wednesday named his captains for Thursday night’s Commanders game in Philadelphia.

The game is big, as the Eagles (7-2) host the Commanders (7-3) from Lincoln Financial Field.

As has been Quinn’s custom this season, he named three captains, one each for offense, defense, and special teams.

Talking with the press, Quinn announced the Week 11 captains would be TE Zach Ertz and CB Mike Sainristil, and on special teams, it will be RB Jeremy McNichols, whom Quinn has been heard to call “J-Mack.”

“And all these guys, man, they bring a lot to our team in lots of different ways and standards and competing. And so we’re all pumped to see these guys get this up.”

Ertz is the second-leading receiver for the Commanders this season, with 37 receptions for 381 yards and one receiving touchdown. More importantly, Ertz has 19 receptions, which have converted 19 first downs.

McNichols has filled in nicely for Brian Robinson when Robinson has been ailing with knee and hamstring issues. McNichols has four rushing touchdowns and 190 yards on 38 carries for a 5.0 yards per carry average.

Sainristil has shown flexibility and adaptability when playing both slot and outside corner. The rookie from NCAA champion Michigan recorded the first Commanders’ interception of 2024 against the Ravens.

 

Quick facts from Commanders’ 30-23 loss to the Ravens

Several facts and stats from Commanders’ loss to Ravens.

The Commanders’ inability to stop the Ravens’ offense was the most significant factor in Washington’s 30-23 loss at Baltimore on Sunday.

Perhaps the second most essential component of the day was the absence of running back Brian Robinson Jr. As a result, the Commanders struggled running inside and didn’t have the success running to utilize more effective play-action passing of Jayden Daniels.

Here are some of the quick facts from the sixth game of the Commanders’ season:

  • The loss snapped the Commanders’ four-game winning streak.
  • The Commanders lost Jonathan Allen (pectoral injury) and Dorrance Armstrong (shoulder) and were already without starting running back Brian Robinson (knee).
  • The Ravens outgained the Commanders 484-305.
  • K Austin Seibert connected on a 55-yard field goal, a new career-long. Seibert had previously made a 53-yard field goal in 2019.
  • The Commanders’ defense could not keep the Ravens off the field. Baltimore had the ball for 36:08, compared to only 23:52 for Washington.
  • The Ravens defense refused to allow Jayden Daniels to become a dual-threat quarterback. He gained a season-low 22 yards on six carries, with a long of only 9 yards.
  • DE Dante Fowler contributed three tackles for a loss, including two quarterback sacks.
  • WR Terry McLaurin caught two touchdown passes for the third game of his career and for the first time since Week 4 of the 2021 season.
  • Terry McLaurin only caught four touchdown passes all of 2023. He now has four for the season.
  • The Commanders had three receivers today totaling over 50 yards in receptions: Zach Ertz (68 yards), Noah Brown (58 yards), and McLaurin (53 yards).
  • The Commanders came into the game averaging 175 rushing yards. Today, without Brian Robinson Jr., they managed only 52 yards on 18 attempts.
  • Lamar Jackson was the story of the game, completing 20 of 26 for 323 passing yards.
  • Commanders’ corner Mike Sainristil ended the first Ravens possession with his first NFL interception. It was also the first Commanders’ interception of the 2024 season, not coming until the sixth game.
  • The Commanders keying on the Ravens’ running game were still unable to keep them under control. Derrick Henry gained 132 yards on 24 carries and Lamar Jackson contributed another 40 yards.

 

What does Commanders’ Whitt think of the team’s cornerback play?

Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. reveals his thoughts on the team’s cornerback play.

The Commanders were ahead 34-6 early in the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns and began substituting several players.

Several on both the offense and the defense were given some opportunities, which, of course, provided rest for those usually starting. But did you notice the corners? These guys continued to play with very little substitution for them.

Even though it was a blowout (final 34-13), starting corners Benjamin St-Juste, Mike Sainristil, and Noah Igbinoghene played 94%, 90%, and 87%, respectively.

During his press conference, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr was asked about the corners Thursday.

Regarding Sainristil:

“Mikey, we’ve moved him inside and out,” Whitt said. “The last two games, he’s played outside, and we put him to the field the last two games, and he’s getting more comfortable there. He can play with vision; he played a lot more physical. He’s covering well. So, right now, that’s where we need him to be. So, he’s going to find a home back inside at some point. But from where the defense is right now, we need him to the field.”

Whitt expressed how Igbinoghene has grown from last season in Dallas”

“We got him late last year when we were in Dallas and with the trade when we traded [Kansas City Chiefs CB Kelvin Joseph] for him, and we had a number of guys that were just ahead of him. And with him coming in there late, he came in here at the same time with everybody else and he was able to put his performance out there. And he’s earned the right to go out there and get the reps in the starting position that he’s getting.”

When asked about 2023 first-round choice, Emmanuel Forbes. Whitt was succinct and direct:

“That’s the same as the Mikey question. Playing to the field. Each week, we’re going to play the guys in a position that we feel best, that gives us a chance to win that particular game.”

For interested readers regarding the cornerbacks, Forbes and Michael Davis each received four defensive snaps. Kevon Seymour was active for his first game this season. He didn’t play any defensive snaps, but he did play seven special teams snaps.

Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. is still not satisfied with his defense

Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. wants more from his defense.

Commnaders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. liked the progress he saw Sunday in the 42-14 win over the Cardinals. But he is certainly not happy with his defense thus far.

Whitt didn’t praise his guys for long, choosing to criticize them as well.

“I thought Benjamin St-Juste did a good job of covering even when we were in some of our man looks and spinning out the cover two…So, they were stickier. And we just have to continue that. Our completion percentage against us is higher than I’m used to, so we have to get that down.”

Asked specifically about CB Emmanuel Forbes’ performance against the Cardinals, Whitt didn’t criticize Forbes. But he didn’t exactly praise him either.

“I thought he was in that same group with Mike and Noah. And like I said, Forbes, they all played about the same. They had about the same number of snaps or he might have had more, I don’t know, I think he had 33 snaps in the game.”

At this moment, Whitt suddenly began to defend his decisions regarding playing time, though he was not challenged. “So each week, we’re gonna put the guys out there that give us the best chance. So, we’re looking at that, working through that right now, and then on Sunday, we’ll deploy the men that gives us the best chance to win.”

Last week, after the win over the Bengals, Whitt volunteered that he was waiting for a couple of corners to step up and be the guy that players and coaches could depend upon weekly.

Thursday, Whitt was asked if this week a corner had stepped up to be that guy. “No, not yet,” replied Whitt.

“I think we’ve played solid at points. I need a consistent flow throughout the game. Get up there and challenge and send the ball where we wanna send it consistently. We’ve had opportunities at some interceptions that where we just knocked it down and we didn’t go aggressively to go get it. So they’re a group of talented young men at the corner position, okay, but talent doesn’t mean that we’re playing at the level that we want to play at.”

“So when we do, I’ll tell you, but we’re not right now. And it’s not because of a lack of ability or anything like that. They have the ability. I just have to do a better job of getting them to do it, and we will.”