The Washington Commanders finally snapped an eight-game losing streak on Sunday, defeating the New York Giants 29-21. Now 4-10 on the season, the Commanders will continue their NFC East gauntlet on Saturday against the division-leading Philadelphia Eagles.
On Monday, Washington announced that quarterback Jayden Daniels will not play again this season. It’s part medical, as Daniels is not yet cleared for contact after aggravating his previously dislocated left elbow, but it’s also the realization that the current season is over. Why risk a further injury to Daniels?
That’s frustrating for fans who, at the very least, hoped to see the reigning 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in the final weeks. If nothing else, the final games would be an opportunity for fans to watch some of the younger players take on increased roles.
While Daniels did not play on Sunday and is done for the season, other young players stepped up in Sunday’s win. Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt rushed 18 times for 96 yards and a touchdown. Rookie wide receiver Jaylin Lane returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown, his second of the season. Second-year cornerback Mike Sainristil had an interception before halftime, returned it 55 yards, and set up a field goal. It was a game-changing play. Second-year tight end Ben Sinnott had a key 36-yard reception in the fourth quarter.
That’s encouraging for the future. But two statistics stood out that you don’t see here: Second-year linebacker Jordan Magee played 14 defensive snaps. Second-year defensive tackle Johnny Newton played 23 snaps. Washington’s defense was on the field for 68 snaps. Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner, as usual, played every snap. Veteran defensive end Preston Smith played more snaps than Newton.
This is an issue. Wagner should not be benched. He still helps the team. He is absolutely a liability in coverage, but that’s up to the Commanders to limit his exposure there, even if it means fewer snaps for him. Magee has played in every game this season. He is one of Washington’s top special teams players, but his defensive snaps began increasing in Week 7. The 14 snaps he played against New York were the fewest he’d played since Week 6.
Why?
The Commanders had also been giving Newton more looks at defensive end. While he’s naturally a tackle, Washington must find out who he is for 2026 and beyond. Washington typically rotates its defensive linemen, but Newton should see increased snaps for the remainder of the season. Is he a future impact player or just a rotational piece? This is something you need to know before the offseason.
Something else to know: rookie linebackers Ale Kaho and Kain Medrano played a combined 36 snaps — all on special teams. Why not give them a look on defense? Why not find a specific package for them?
Washington’s defense already stinks. There will be a ton of changes in the offseason. Now is the time to find out about the young players already in the building. Are there any future starters? It’s time to find out.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Concerning numbers from Week 15 win
