It wasn't a complete disaster for the Washington Commanders in their Week 6 loss at the Baltimore Ravens. They tried valiantly and fought right until the end before coming up short. Their complications came on the defensive side of things, with Joe Whitt Jr.'s unit failing to counteract the supreme gifts that Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers brought to the table.
This was a steep learning curve for the Commanders. Dan Quinn will know much more about his squad after this one. The head coach didn't want to see it as a measuring stick, but they are a long way off entering the Super Bowl discussion despite an outstanding start to the campaign.
The Commanders need a complete effort from everyone if they're going to compete with teams like the Ravens. One phase of underperformance is all it takes to make things tough versus the elite. However, it's also worth remembering what a juggernaut Quinn's men were facing and this is just the first season of an extensive rebuild from top to bottom.
With this in mind, here are three winners and four losers from Washington's defeat in Week 6 at M&T Bank Stadium.
Winners and losers from Commanders' defeat at the Ravens
Jeremy Chinn - Commanders S
The Washington Commanders were expecting big things from Jeremy Chinn in this one. They needed the safety to come down closer to the line of scrimmage and assist against the Baltimore Ravens' fearsome rushing attack. They also tasked the former second-round selection with coverage support on the backend when the situation dictated. His good form over the last few weeks left reasons for encouragement.
Chinn didn't perform well. He wasn't alone in that regard, especially in the secondary, but the Commanders were counting heavily on the instinctive defender to get around the football and make plays. That didn't happen with nearly enough frequency despite gaining eight tackles throughout the contest.
The player's deficiencies in coverage were a concern upon joining the Commanders. It was a disappointment, but Washington isn't going to see many offenses like this the rest of the way. That makes Chinn a prime bounce-back candidate in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers, his former team.
Zach Ertz - Commanders TE
It was a decent performance from the Washington Commanders offense despite the huge hurdles put in front of them thanks to defensive inefficiency. They put up 23 points and looked competitive more often than not. This was a silver lining from their second loss of the campaign for head coach Dan Quinn to hang his hat on.
Zach Ertz once again showcased his dependability as a pass-catcher over short-to-intermediate routes. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels looked for the veteran tight end frequently when he needed to move the chains in critical moments. The three-time Pro Bowl delivered the goods, especially in the second half when Washington was facing a deficit.
Ertz finished the game with four receptions from five targets for 68 receiving yards, which led the team. This was another positive performance from the former Stanford star. Any fears some fans had about whether the player could make a lasting contribution at this late stage of his career are being alleviated in no uncertain terms.
The Commanders would probably like second-round pick Ben Sinnott to get more involved as the campaign goes on. But as long as Ertz is playing like this, he'll remain an integral part of Washington's offensive strategy.
Andrew Wylie - Commanders OT
The Commanders' offensive line is one of the most positive elements to come from a great start to the 2024 season. This was the sternest test of their flourishing credentials so far. It wasn't a complete disaster, but this unit was always fighting a losing battle versus an exceptional defensive front seven.
Andrew Wylie wasn't at his best. The veteran right tackle made a superb start to the campaign after failing to meet expectations during his first season with the franchise. He never looked comfortable in Week 6, which stemmed from hesitancy in pass protection and a lack of discipline that remains an ongoing frustration.
This was a step back for Wylie, but the former Eastern Michigan star won't face many bigger tests than this throughout the campaign. Take this disappointing outing on the chin, make the right adjustments, and get back to the player who performed with such promise over the opening five weeks.
Wylie's experienced enough to brush this off. But the Commanders cannot afford this to be the start of a disappointing stretch for the player in pursuit of strengthening their postseason aspirations.
Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders didn't win, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. Their offense was largely efficient despite being restricted against the league's most dominant run defense. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels produced another accomplished display on the road. He was aided by another impressive outing from Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
McLaurin has come into his own over the last month. The wideout remains one of the NFL's most underrated options despite the increasing national adulation coming Washington's way. His assured hands and ability to come up with sensational catches in critical moments were evident once again at M&T Bank Stadium.
The former third-round selection out of Ohio State brought in six receptions from seven targets for 53 receiving yards and two touchdowns. McLaurin made the most of the slightest windows and continued his encouraging chemistry with Daniels for good measure.
Washington has a stretch of contests upcoming where more success can arrive. If McLaurin continues his outstanding run of form, the Commanders should get back to winning ways quickly.
Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB
It was a difficult afternoon for the Commanders' secondary. Things started well with an interception from rookie second-rounder Mike Sainristil, but things descended into chaos for the unit quickly after that. Joe Whitt Jr.'s group looked outmatched and overwhelmed against one of the league's most prolific offenses. Very few emerged from the game with credit and there is a significant amount of hard work ahead.
Benjamin St-Juste won't be looking back at this one with much fondness. The veteran cornerback was targeted as a weak link by the Ravens and suffered accordingly. Whenever Lamar Jackson needed a big play, he typically looked for anyone being covered by the former third-round selection out of Minnesota.
St-Juste was torched by wide receiver Zay Flowers throughout the first half. The player's confidence notably waned throughout. That's not what the Commanders wanted to see from their most experienced and physical defensive back versus such stout opposition.
This is a body blow for St-Juste's chances of getting another deal next spring. He's not a No. 1 option even though the Commanders are forcing him to be one. Things better improve - and quickly - to avoid similar misfortune in the coming weeks.
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels accumulated more national media attention than most heading into Week 6. The rookie quarterback's remarkable start to his NFL career was about to get its first significant acid test at the Baltimore Ravens. He didn't seem phased by the challenge in front of him. In fact, he thrived once again.
Daniels couldn't have done much more to get the Washington Commanders to a memorable victory. The defense couldn't stop the Ravens from putting points up at will. The fact he was able to keep his team in the game for long periods is a testament to the signal-caller's outstanding poise and precision under center.
The Commanders couldn't get anything going on the ground without Brian Robinson Jr. This put the onus squarely on Daniels to do damage. It wasn't quite enough to achieve success, but it was another example of what a special player Washington has if others meet their end of the bargain.
The Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU finished the game with a 68.57 percent completion success for 269 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and an impressive 110.9 passer rating. Daniels also earned the respect of Baltimore's defense through toughness and plowing forward with supreme conviction in the face of adversity.
Daron Payne - Commanders DT
Daron Payne is among the Commanders' highest earners after getting a lucrative contract extension from the organization in 2023. The formidable defensive lineman put together a Pro Bowl campaign with money on the line. However, this looks to be an anomaly based on his production before and after the 2022 campaign.
Payne's not making the impact expected of someone paid so handsomely. He's held to a higher standard than most as a first-round pick counting $21.61 million against the salary cap. The Commanders needed him to step up and make a lasting contribution in Week 6 - especially after veteran Jonathan Allen went out with a pectoral issue. He was unable to meet these targets.
The Alabama product didn't register a single statistic at the Ravens. No tackles, no tackles for loss, and no sacks. This allowed Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to get whatever they wanted, making things incredibly difficult for the secondary en route to Washington's second loss of the campaign.
Washington needs more from Payne. He needs to get back to his 2022 form and become the physically imposing presence this defensive front desperately needs. Otherwise, a situation could emerge where general manager Adam Peters begins to look at him as a possible trade candidate.
