The Washington Commanders are now 3-4 after Sunday’s disappointing 14-7 loss to the New York Giants.
Another slow start doomed Washington in the loss to the Giants. The offense managed only 46 first-half yards, while the defense allowed 256 yards. While both sides of the ball were much better in the second half, it wasn’t enough for the Commanders to emerge victorious.
Quarterback Sam Howell was sacked six times in the loss. Howell completed 22 of 42 passes for 249 yards and an interception. Washington’s ground game was led by rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr., who rushed for 31 yards on seven attempts.
The Commanders defense allowed only 100 yards in the second, led by Chase Young and a strong pass rush. Young had the first two-sack game of his career.
Which Commanders struggled the most? Who shined? Pro Football Focus grades are in for Week 7, and we analyze the best and worst from Washington’s loss.
Top 5 offense
- WR Terry McLaurin: 71.5
- TE Logan Thomas: 66.6
- RB Antonio Gibson: 66.0
- RT Andrew Wylie: 65.8
- RB Chris Rodriguez Jr: 65.3
McLaurin was phenomenal. What’s new? He finished with six receptions for 90 yards — all in the second half. The only reason he didn’t post bigger numbers was because the offense didn’t go to him in the first half. I am not sure how PFF grades Wylie so favorably each week. I will say this: that was not Wylie’s worst game. Most of the pressure on Howell came from the interior.
Top 5 defense
- DE Chase Young: 90.0
- CB Benjamin St-Juste: 81.7
- DE Montez Sweat: 78.7
- DT John Ridgeway: 78.6
- DT Jonathan Allen: 72.9
Washington’s defensive line graded well against the Giants. It should have. The Commanders were facing a line full of backups. They should’ve dominated. Chase Young played well, as he had two sacks, multiple pressures and drew a penalty. Sweat played well, too, with a sack and a TFL. St-Juste broke up three passes, but he also allowed two big plays, so that grade may be a bit generous. Ridgeway has shined in the last two weeks with increased playing time.
Bottom 5 offense
- WR Dyami Brown: 53.8
- C Nick Gates: 52.9
- TE Cole Turner: 52.4
- QB Sam Howell: 44.7
- G Ricky Stromberg: 44.1
Nick Gates is the one who stands out here. I think that grade may be too high. Gates has been mostly solid in the first six games, but he struggled against Dexter Lawrence and his former teammates on Sunday. This wasn’t Howell’s best game, which is understandable considering the pressure he faced. Yet, Howell had the Commanders in position to tie — or win — late, and Washington couldn’t capitalize.
Bottom 5 defense
- DT Daron Payne: 55.3
- S Percy Butler: 53.4
- LB David Mayo: 50.8
- DT Abdullah Anderson: 48.9
- LB Khaleke Hudson: 38.1
Payne hasn’t been as dominant this season as he was in 2022. That’s not because of a lack of effort. The Commanders need more consistent production from him and his linemates. Mayo replaced Cody Barton and struggled. While Barton has been bad, there was a dropoff from Mayo to Barton. Hudson’s grade, he played 26 snaps, feels low. While he wasn’t as impactful as last week in limited snaps, he wasn’t terrible as PFF indicates.
Other notable grades
- WR Jahan Dotson: 54.4
- LT Charles Leno Jr: 62.8
- G Sam Cosmi: 55.6
- S Kamren Curl: 68.2
- LB Jamin Davis: 61.6
- CB Kendall Fuller: 64.9
What stands out here is Dotson’s drop. He did have 43 yards, a season-high. Washington’s receivers aren’t creating enough separation, and we aren’t sure if that’s the scheme or on the receivers. They didn’t have any issues creating separation last season. Cosmi and the rest of the O-line struggled. For Jamin Davis, it feels like he takes a step forward each week, followed by two steps back. Curl was solid as usual.
