The Washington Commanders' losing streak continued with an embarrassing defeat to the Detroit Lions in Week 10. It's their fifth consecutive reverse, and their fourth in a row by at least 20 points.
In addition to yet another absolutely lifeless showing by the defense, injuries continued to ravage the Commanders. They lost rookie cornerback Trey Amos during the second quarter, and he did not return.
Washington will be hoping for the best on the second-round pick. But in the meantime, the situation forced Joe Whitt Jr.'s hand to make one change that should've happened a long time ago.
Commanders should keep cornerback Mike Sainristil on the boundary
Out of all the underperforming players on the Commanders' roster this season, few have been bigger letdowns than second-year corner Mike Sainristil. The Michigan product came on strong at the end of 2024 and was one of Washington's most impressive standouts during the playoffs. He had two interceptions against the Lions in the team's stunning divisional round upset win.
Sainristil's ball-hawking skills have remained a bright spot, accounting for three of the Commanders' five interceptions this season. But he's also routinely been picked on in coverage and given up chunk plays on the regular.
Much of this has been due to the scheme. And it was more evident than ever against the Lions what the problem was.
The No. 50 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft improved as a rookie after being moved from the nickel corner position to the outside. Then, after Amos's arrival, he was switched back into the slot, his supposedly natural role. You certainly wouldn't know it, because he plays much better on the boundary.
At the end of the first half, Sainristil made two plays that helped hold the Lions to three points instead of seven. He had a touchdown-saving tackle on Amon-Ra St. Brown on second down, and then forced an incomplete pass while covering the star wideout again on the next play.
Sainristil did give up a touchdown to Jameson Williams in the second half, but he was overall better after Amos went down. St. Brown, with whom he was paired mainly, had only one catch after halftime, and the Lions didn't take their feet off the gas until the final few minutes.
Ideally, Amos's injury won't be long-term, but even with him on the field, Sainristil needs to be playing opposite him on the outside.
If he is going to be one of Washington's long-term building blocks, then Sainristil needs to be placed in the best position to succeed. That's not as a slot corner.