After having some extended rest to reflect on a disappointing defeat with the national audience watching, the Washington Commanders finally got the chance to right this wrong against the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a mission they accomplished with minimal fuss.
The Commanders ran out convincing winners, and they never looked in any real danger. Washington’s injuries, which also included star quarterback Jayden Daniels, weren’t felt. It was a complete team performance that renewed hope about what this squad might be capable of in 2025.
Las Vegas wouldn’t be classed as world beaters by any stretch of the imagination. But the ease with which head coach Dan Quinn’s team dismantled the Raiders cannot be anything other than encouraging. There were almost no weak links, and they once again displayed the resolve that got them to the NFC Championship game last time around.
Everything is right in the world again. The Commanders are 2-1 with some winnable games upcoming. Health remains the key, but things are looking up.
With that being said, here are five winners and two losers from Washington’s convincing success at Northwest Stadium.
Winners and losers from the Commanders’ rousing triumph over the Raiders
Winner No. 1
Chris Paul – Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders caused a massive stir before the game when Brandon Coleman — who’d started the first two games at left guard — was listed as a healthy scratch. Most fans thought Nick Allegretti would fill the void with Andrew Wylie coming into the lineup, but the coaching staff had someone else in mind.
Chris Paul got the nod. The 2022 seventh-round selection is one of the last remaining players drafted by Ron Rivera who are still on the team. He didn’t feature much last season, but the Commanders credited the player for making some improvements this summer. With Coleman struggling to find the consistency needed, Washington made the switch.
It paid off handsomely. Paul was nothing short of outstanding throughout. His athletic skills look well-suited to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s blocking concepts, and he stone-walled everyone in his path to stake a strong claim for starting involvement moving forward.
Paul didn’t give up a sack. He didn’t even give up one pressure. The former Tulsa standout looked assured, powerful, and confident. Having this added stability made things much easier, and the entire offense ran more efficiently.
The Raiders have some real talent on their defensive front. Paul managed to hold up his end of the bargain by neutralizing anyone who came within his vicinity.
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