Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil was a big topic after last week’s 24-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Sainristil allowed multiple explosive plays against the Eagles, including one in the end zone where he appeared to lose his concentration completely.
Head coach Dan Quinn, a big Sainristil fan and supporter, called it “completely not acceptable.”
“The touchdown play definitely felt like, as the motion got over, man, like, you have to go get set,” Quinn said. “And those are things that we have to get corrected. We’ve definitely identified a few things that, ‘Hey, man, these are the things that we have to get corrected.’ Mike’s a very good competitor. I’m certain that we will, but to have that type of play and just not have the right
focus at the right time, completely not acceptable.”
Quinn doesn’t call his players out, so it was clear he was unhappy and sending a message to Sainristil.
There was concern about Sainristil heading into Sunday’s Week 2 clash against the Dallas Cowboys and their wideouts, George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb.
Those concerns were warranted, as Sainristil’s struggles continued in Sunday’s 37-20 loss to the Cowboys. Sainristil allowed several big plays, mostly while defending Lamb.
To his credit, Sainristil faced the criticism last week, speaking to reporters in the locker room and admitting he must play better.
After Sunday’s loss, he spoke again.
“I think we just gotta do better as a secondary,” Sainristil said when asked about Dak Prescott’s big day. "One, working together as a unit. Obviously, coming into this game, we understood that Lamb and Pickens are premium receivers. So, in our coverages, making sure that we’re able to keep a roof over them, limit the explosives, not let them get going early. Flat out, we didn’t do a great job of that today. We know that we have a lot more work to do."
Mike Sainristil on the Cowboys' passing attack. Dak Prescott threw four touchdown passes. pic.twitter.com/xLXpDWE8pO
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) September 21, 2026
Sainristil is correct. He and his teammates have a lot more work to do, especially in the secondary. Through two games, the secondary has struggled, but Sainristil has been the primary culprit. Will Quinn and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones keep giving him a long leash, or start looking elsewhere and give veterans Fabian Moreau and Isaac Yiadom an opportunity?
Cornerback Trey Amos is eligible to return in Week 5, but that’s not a guarantee. Amos will remain uncertain until Washington opens his window to return.
For now, the Commanders must work with what they have, including Sainristil.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Mike Sainristil reacts to Cowboys' big passing day against Commanders
