Studs, Duds in Washington Commanders' loss vs San Fransisco 49ers

The Washington Commanders fell to 1-4-1 after a 23-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. While a cross-country trip to face an undefeated team is tough, the first half was disastrous, with the team falling behind by as much as 20 points and leaving points on the table. However, the team showed resolve and made no move to quit on its embattled head coach. While the NFL has no moral victories, there are some good, bad, and ugly ones from the near upset in Santa Clara.

Stud

Sonny Styles

Styles recorded 13 tackles on Monday night, including seven solo tackles (both career highs), and was all over the field, even on the play that forced a Christian McCaffrey fumble to keep the score at 13-3 after the game management gaffe. The rookie has recorded double-digit tackles in two consecutive games and is a frontrunner for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Dud(s)

Offensive Line

The line as a unit played its worst game of the season on Monday, allowing four sacks of Jayden Daniels. Moreover, the Commanders averaged 3.1 yards per rushing attempt against a San Francisco 49ers team missing Nick Bosa and Dre Greenlaw. The Commanders usually have one player who stands out, but everyone struggled on Monday night.

Chris Paul’s face mask penalty wiped out Jeremy McNichols' 31-yard touchdown run that would have given them the lead. In fact, Washington’s penalties were directly or indirectly caused by the offensive line.

Stud

Jayden Daniels

Daniels went 29 for 40 for 300 yards and two touchdown passes against the 49ers, nearly leading the team to a miracle comeback upset. The best thing is that he did his best work from the pocket, mostly without Terry McLaurin, who was carted off the field with a knee injury. Daniels found ten different receivers on Monday.

Dud

Amir Robertson

Robinson has been one of Washington’s most consistent defensive players, but on Monday he struggled against Mike Evans, who caught three passes for 94 yards. Evans is listed as nine inches taller than Robertson, so this matchup was always going to be tough.

Stud

2nd Half Defense

Washington gave up three points in the second half on Monday night. Enter week six; their defense allowed 95 points in the second half. Washington forced three-and-outs on San Francisco's final three drives to give them a chance to steal the upset.

Dud

1st Half Defense

San Francisco went down the field easily on the first two drives, with wide-open catches for Evans and tight end George Kittle. They were going to score a third touchdown, but linebacker Frankie Luvu recovered a fumble on McCaffrey near the field-goal line.

Other Studs:

- Luvu: recorded 8 tackles and a forced fumble.

- Chig Okonkwo: seven catches for 69 yards, including a 29-yard reception.

- Treylon Burks and Antonio Williams: Both stepped up in McLaurin's absence with 7 catches for 116 yards.

Other Duds:

- Jeremy Reaves: Was on Kittle a lot in the first half and was beaten on the touchdown catch.

- McLaurin’s Injury: With the 31 year old going down with a significant injury, could Monday potentially be his last time wearing a Commanders uniform.

- Dan Quinn: Allegedly not knowing whether it was fourth down will not help his cause with the organization or the fan base.