The Washington Commanders are mercifully at their bye week. This time last year, fans were dreaming of potentially making a postseason run. This time around, it's an entirely different story.
There's plenty of blame to be tossed around. That being said, Washington's defense was much-improved from previous weeks against the Miami Dolphins after head coach Dan Quinn took over coordinator duties from Joe Whitt Jr.
The Commanders are particularly banking on growth from their long-term building blocks after the change. Some such players, including defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw and cornerback Mike Sainristil (fourth-quarter muffed punt return aside), had positive showings.