7 Commanders who must go from invisible to unstoppable in Week 3

Nobody is pressing the panic button within the Washington Commanders. However, their disappointing loss in Week 2, coupled with some extremely concerning injury problems, has brought doubt where once there was nothing but unrivaled optimism.

These are problems head coach Dan Quinn must navigate effectively. It's not ideal, especially so early in the season, but having the correct coping mechanisms in place is essential. Anything less comes with grave consequences attached as the team looks to meet some loftier expectations in 2025.

This is a strong group of professionals. Quinn's locker room culture shift saw them overcome almost every piece of adversity in their path last season. They'll need all that and more this time around, and some analysts are starting to question whether they have what it takes to mount another deep postseason run.

A massive effort is needed from everybody. This bears more significance for senior players who haven't met their billing as yet. It also applies to some individuals on the fringes who could be tasked with a lot more in the face of Washington's injury crisis.

With this in mind, here are seven Commanders players who must go from invisible to unstoppable in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Commanders players who must go from invisible to unstoppable in Week 3

Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL

Rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr.'s baptism of fire to begin the campaign has taken the headlines. But the fact that he has gotten almost no help from right guard Nick Allegretti deserves more acknowledgment.

Sam Cosmi is still working his way back from a torn ACL. Dan Quinn is encouraged by his progress, but the stud right guard will be out for the next two games, if not more, on the physically unable to perform list. Until then, Allegretti is tasked with filling this gaping void, but he hasn't come close to reaching the same high standards.

Allegretti's production during running plays is pretty average. The less said about his incompetent pass protection, the better. With John Bates likely absent from the game, the interior presence must provide the assurance needed to make Conerly's life easier on the edge.

Whether he's capable of achieving this feat is another matter. Allegretti didn't shine as the team's left guard last season, but Cosmi's injury has given him a reprieve. However, there's a good chance he'll be demoted to backup duties once the former Texas prospect is healthy enough to participate.

And based on his lack of consistency so far, he can have no complaints.

Quan Martin - Commanders S

The Washington Commanders were bullish about Quan Martin's outlook heading into his third season. He's been solid if not spectacular so far, which means the safety must improve his all-around package to enter genuine breakout status moving forward.

Martin's been dominant against the run. His 83.1 grade in this discipline from Pro Football Focus ranks third among all qualifying safeties right now. Unfortunately, his lackluster capabilities in coverage have taken the shine off this in no uncertain terms.

The former Illinois standout ranks 108th out of 111 safeties with a 32.7 coverage grade. That is unacceptable, and Martin will know that better than anybody. If he wants to enter the conversation to be among the league's most prolific young players on the backend, major adjustments are needed.

There's nothing to suggest Martin isn't capable. But with Will Harris also failing to meet expectations, it's made things much more difficult.

Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR

Terry McLaurin hasn't reached his typically high standards as yet. That's not a great shock when one considers he missed preparations throughout the summer in pursuit of a new deal from the Commanders.

That eventually arrived, but time was of the essence to get up to speed. McLaurin is still getting open, just not consistently enough. The timing is off with quarterback Jayden Daniels, and there is just something missing from a chemistry standpoint right now.

Everyone knows what McLaurin is capable of. The second-team All-Pro is a dynamic playmaker. He's easily Washington's best option in the passing game, so it shouldn't be too much longer before he's back to his old self.

Daniels' status for Week 3 is in doubt with a knee sprain. We'll find out more as the week goes on, and Marcus Mariota is a capable veteran backup who performed well when called upon. Any improvements from McLaurin will make his life easier.

Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE

The Commanders are unlikely to have the services of blocking tight end John Bates in Week 3. Head coach Dan Quinn hasn't completely ruled him out, but the coaching staff will err on the side of caution in the coming days before a formal decision arrives.

If Bates cannot go, that leaves a huge hole that must be filled. The Commanders cannot leave rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. on an island against four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby. Having someone capable of chipping on the edge is essential. And the most likely candidate is 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott.

The former Kansas State prospect hasn't been used much throughout his time with the Commanders so far. Sinnott remains an unknown quantity, and there is an apparent reluctance to place too much on his shoulders.

That has to change this weekend. If it doesn't, that'll tell fans all they need to know about Sinnott's development.

Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB

Frankie Luvu propelled himself to legitimate superstardom last season. The linebacker thought linking up with head coach Dan Quinn on the Washington Commanders could take his game to new heights. What followed was beyond any fan's wildest expectations.

Luvu became the beating heart of Washington's defense. He was a relentless force alongside Bobby Wagner, earning second-team All-Pro honors and becoming the driving force behind everything good. Unfortunately, things haven't gone nearly as well to start the 2025 campaign.

The former Washington State star's influence has waned. Luvu's dynamism and instincts have regressed. It's nothing to overly concern just yet, but improvements must be made quickly with first-round running back Ashton Jeanty in the team's crosshairs.

He is being held to higher standards after emerging as a franchise cornerstone last season. Luvu has the inner fire and relentless work ethic to make the strides needed. The sooner that happens, the better.

Will Harris - Commanders S

The Commanders took a gamble by letting Jeremy Chinn walk to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. As the physically imposing safety gets set to go up against his old employers, this raises the stakes for Will Harris.

Washington replaced Chinn with Harris. He was significantly cheaper, and his previous connection to assistant general manager Lance Newmark offered reasons for encouragement. There is a long way to go, but the player's efforts have been nowhere near what the former Southern Illinois standout brought to the table in 2024.

Harris has just nine tackles. His 56.2 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus ranks 88th out of 111 qualifying safeties around the league. His one highlight was a forced fumble, but it's been largely underwhelming aside from that.

If Harris cannot raise his performance levels and Chinn excels at Northwest Stadium this weekend, further doubts will surface.

Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB

Mike Sainristil was tipped for a major breakout campaign in 2025. The Commanders got some significant early returns from the second-round pick during his rookie year. That set a high bar that hasn't been met as yet.

Sainristil hasn't been a complete failure; far from it. But there is a growing sense that his versatility is working against him in the early stages of the campaign.

The Commanders have deployed Sainristil as the nickel cornerback. He's been used on the boundary and even occupied a linebacker spot next to Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner on occasion. This is a testament to his accomplished production and athleticism, but it has not exactly been a recipe for success.

Let Sainristil work as the nickel with Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos on the outside. This bears more significance this weekend, with tight end Brock Bowers capable of doing real damage.