Nobody was expecting much from the Washington Commanders in Week 10. The Detroit Lions were aiming to get their back on track and were out to avenge a stunning playoff defeat last season. What followed was an inevitable beatdown that most fans saw coming.
The Lions got whatever they wanted, cruising into an early lead and never letting up. Washington's defense waved the white flag, and the offense couldn't overcome it. The game was over in the first quarter, and it quickly became another painful afternoon at the office with President Donald J. Trump in attendance.
Head coach Dan Quinn's squad is now 3-7 heading into their international contest versus the Miami Dolphins. That's not the guaranteed win it appeared earlier in the campaign, with Mike McDaniel's squad toppling the Buffalo Bills in a shocking upset.
Where the Commanders go from here is anyone's guess. Their chances of making the playoffs are long gone. Their roster is old, ravaged by injuries, and not executing effectively enough. Fans are calling for heads to roll, and the culture shift Quinn worked so hard to build last time around is disintegrating rapidly. It's a complete mess, and there are still seven contests remaining.
Before attention turns to what comes next, here are five losers and two winners from Washington's meltdown against the Lions.
Winners and losers from the Commanders' pitiful defeat to the Lions
Loser No. 1
Daron Payne - Commanders DT
There is no doubt that Daron Payne has been a rare bright spot for the Washington Commanders this season. However, the veteran defensive tackle won't be looking back on this game with any great fondness.
Payne was bullied in the trenches right from the outset. He failed to generate any push against the run, and the Detroit Lions took full advantage. With the contest getting away from the Commanders early, the former Alabama standout lost his cool following an altercation with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Words were exchanged. Payne did not take the high road, throwing a punch. An inevitable melee followed, and the Pro Bowler was ejected.
Everyone can get caught up in the heat of the moment, and nobody likes getting beaten down. However, as an emerging leader and someone others are looking to for inspiration, Payne cannot get caught in this trap.
This is a microcosm of everything wrong with the Commanders right now. They are undisciplined, petulant, and failing to lead the right way. Payne embodied all that and more in Week 10 at Northwest Stadium.