The Washington Commanders looked like they had a superstar on their hands with Mike Sainristil last season. The rookie cornerback was sensational during his first campaign in the pros, emerging as a potential franchise cornerstone piece for the team to build around long-term.
Things have not gone as well this time around. Sainristil isn't the only one failing to meet expectations; far from it. Even so, the 2024 second-round pick set an immensely high bar for himself that hasn't come close to being met through nine games.
And head coach Dan Quinn believes he knows what is really behind Sainristil's sophomore slump.
Dan Quinn believes Mike Sainristil is forcing things too much in Year 2 with Commanders
Quinn acknowledged that it's been a rollercoaster for Sainristil this season. He's made some outstanding plays, but the coach believes he is trying too hard to force turnovers, leaving him exposed far too often.
"Yeah, I would say there's been up and down moments. Meaning the playmaking, the interceptions I saw at LA and you know, the last couple weeks. So, the ball hawking mindset, which I love. There's also been a couple of plays of overtrying, you know, to make those plays."
Dan Quinn via OnSI
This is a fair assessment. Sainristil is forcing things rather than letting the game come to him. Being asked to fill several roles hasn't helped him get into a rhythm, but there is no doubt he should be performing better right now.
Another alteration in how the Commanders use Sainristil could be coming this weekend against the Detroit Lions. Washington will be without four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore after he suffered a torn ACL in Week 9 versus the Seattle Seahawks. That will rule him out for the entire campaign, and there is a good chance that the former Ohio State star has played his last snap for the club.
This probably means Sainristil will switch back to the boundary once again. It's a role he occupied last season with great success. Considering how inconsistent he's been in the nickel, it would be a massive disappointment if he cannot make a better go of things on the outside.
Washington's secondary was projected to be one of their most obvious strengths heading into the campaign. It's turned out to be among their most glaring weaknesses. Unless they can turn things around, general manager Adam Peters might be forced into yet more personnel alterations for a more sustainable future.
It's put-up-or-shut-up time for Sainristil. How he responds will be telling.