Are the Washington Commanders sending a message to third-year cornerback Mike Sainristil? Earlier this week, head coach Dan Quinn essentially called out Sainristil in his press conference regarding his play in Sunday’s season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
“The touchdown play definitely felt like, as the motion got over, man, like, you have to go get set,” Quinn said on Monday. “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 was right, but this is something
he never does. Quinn always protects his players. Sainristil allowed two big plays in Sunday’s game, and in one of them he looked completely lost or disinterested. That play upset Quinn.
Washington’s second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Sainristil enjoyed a solid rookie season. He regressed last season, and questions remained about whether he fit best outside or in the slot.
For his part, Sainristil didn’t shy away from his Week 1 performance and took accountability.
“Honestly, I’m not somebody that sits there, whether I played good or bad,” Sainristil said this week. “I’m not somebody who is going to sit there and sulk in it. So, for the people who think that is what I am doing, that’s the complete opposite. I am not that type of person. I can assure you [of] that. But for me, it is just focusing on ‘What can I do to be better?’ every single day. Whether I play good or bad.”
Quinn expressed confidence in Sainristil on Wednesday.
“I’ve got a lot of confidence in Mike. I really do,” Quinn said. “I love him. And I’m certain that he’ll be one leveling up on plays that he knows can be controlled. Somebody beats you on a good play, man, we tip our hat. But that's the spot that we wanna see, just, man, staying in constant things that he can control: the call, the technique, and that. I’ve got a lot of confidence in him. I’m certain that’ll get done.”
Sainristil better be ready this week. The Commanders face the Cowboys and their receivers, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. There may be no better wide receiver duo in all of the NFL. And with Washington already without Trey Amos until at least Week 5, GM Adam Peters made a move on Thursday, signing veteran cornerback Isaac Yiadom from the practice squad.
Did the Commanders make this move because they’re worried about Sainristil, or is it to add depth against a team that will throw the ball a lot?
Here’s what defensive coordinator Daronte Jones said about Sainristil:
“He wasn’t satisfied with the way he played, and I don’t think anyone was, but yet and still, we know what he’s capable of,” Jones said.
After signing Yiadom from the practice squad, the Commanders now have five cornerbacks on the roster: Sainristil, Yiadom, Amik Robertson, Fabian Moreau and Rasul Douglas.
If Sainristil struggles again on Sunday, Washington can’t afford to let him play through it. Now, the Commanders have options.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders put Mike Sainristil on the hot seat
