Washington Commander High is really in trouble in 2024.
For one thing, the GMs lost most of their pass rushers, so the secondary became constant prey. They were bullied week after week. Things got so bad that head coach Dan Quinn stepped in and gave up on the defensive calling of his friend, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
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In 2024, rookie cornerback Mike Sanristil played inside, then moved to the outside, hauling in two interceptions and then two more in a playoff win over Detroit. But 2025 has seen terrible struggles.
But Quinn said Friday, “Yeah, there’s definitely going to be ups and downs, and I think that’s what I was proud of last week,” he said Friday.
“I thought it was probably his best game of the season,” Quinn said of Sainri Steele. “It might not have been an interception or a big play, but as far as tackles go, just because it doesn’t go your way doesn’t mean they’re not trying you.”
Quinn likes the aggressive style of play that Sean Ristier brings.
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“Had a great tackle on the sideline in a two-minute drill. But that’s what I thought, I felt like it was his best and he’s seen that, what he’s going to be like, what he’s going to look like. So, it’s a really important thing. Can we do it again? Can he be consistent? So, through the ups and downs, those are the lessons you have to go through.”
It’s no secret to anyone that the general’s secondary leaves receivers open, missing tackles and out of coverage. Game 2 was a complete disaster, with the Commanders losing to the Cowboys by 44 points in the second half, the Chiefs by 21 points in the second half, the Seahawks by 38 points (it could have been worse), and the Lions again by 44 points, making it their fourth straight frustrating loss.
Quinn also said regarding the second item, “I think what I saw was the ability to play very fast and not make mistakes. So, I never question the effort of our team, so speed, effort, good, but also control, and you can go as fast as you can, as hard as you can. But I think the practice habits and doing that prepared us well when we got into the game.”
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Washington will also face former teammate Jonathan Allen, who signed with the Vikings as a free agent last March. Allen was drafted by Washington with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He was the anchor of the defensive line and played eight seasons in Washington (2017-24).
This article originally appeared in Commanders Wire: Commanders coach Dan Quinn says Mike Sainristil had his best game