The San Francisco 49ers remain undefeated after beating the Washington Commanders 23-17 on Monday Night Football in Week 6.
It was a tale of two halves for Washington. The Commanders were down 20-3 at halftime. San Francisco had as many first downs (17) as Washington had total plays (17). The Commanders had another operational issue when quarterback Jayden Daniels, under pressure, threw the ball away on fourth down. There was a penalty on the play, but San Francisco declined it. At the same time, head coach Dan Quinn appeared to lose track of the fact that it was fourth down.
At halftime, everyone was writing the Commanders’ 2026 obituary. But they came storming back, outscoring the 49ers 14-3 in the second half. Washington had two chances to take the lead in the final two minutes, but came up short each time.
The Commanders now get a much-needed bye week before hosting the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8.
Here are six takeaways from Monday’s game.
Jayden Daniels’ lack of awareness
Last week, Daniels showed a lack of awareness on the final play, where he was tackled, allowing the clock to run out and giving his team no chance to kick a game-winning field goal. While the blame was spread among Daniels, Quinn and offensive coordinator David Blough, Daniels acknowledged his part in the mess. In the first half, Daniels was flushed to his right and, instead of putting the ball in play on fourth down, he threw it out of bounds. He may have seen the flag and thought it was a pre-snap penalty, but that doesn’t make sense, since it was a late flag. Regardless, especially after last week, Daniels must be more aware of the down, distance, and time, among other things, on each play.
I saw some people criticize him for the intentional grounding play; please go back and watch it. That was not on Daniels. This time, he kept the clock in mind, tried to avoid a sack, and there were no open receivers. More on this later. Daniels did all he could on this play. That criticism is unfounded.
David Blough’s call
This relates to the play where Daniels was called for intentional grounding. First, let’s look at what Daniels saw from his perspective, and remember to keep the time in the back of your mind.
Setting your QB up for failure.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) October 20, 2026
I can’t stand it. pic.twitter.com/B68xjBDCA1
The Commanders ran all verticals here. With around 20 seconds remaining, it was too early to think you had to have it all in one play. There should have been one or two underneath routes for Daniels here. He would have had time to get to the line of scrimmage and spike the ball for one or two more shots to the end zone. This is on Blough for not giving his quarterback a chance.
Offensive tackles stunk
This was a bad game for Brandon Coleman and Josh Conerly. Coleman was beaten numerous times, including at critical moments, while Conerly committed two penalties and was beaten a few times as well. On more than one occasion, Daniels didn’t even have time to step up in the pocket because one or both of his tackles were beaten off the edge. Conerly had been playing well, but it was a rough night for him. Coleman is a serviceable left tackle, but it becomes clearer each week that he belongs inside at guard. That’s not his fault or Washington’s, since he’s the best option to replace Laremy Tunsil.
Another bad night for Dan Quinn
Since last week, numerous reports have said that if the Commanders aren’t competitive against the 49ers, owner Josh Harris could make a change at head coach. After last week’s end-of-game debacle, Quinn didn’t need anything else to give Harris a reason to fire him. In the first half, the 49ers looked like they were about to blow the doors off the Commanders. In the second quarter, Quinn looked like he didn’t know what down it was, making it seem like the Commanders could make a change soon. However, Quinn’s team fights. And they fought hard in the second half. Washington had two chances to win that game and failed to execute. For any criticism you throw Quinn’s way — and it is deserved — his team fights hard for him. That’s to be commended. Quinn is not going anywhere anytime soon. And what would it change at this point? Even at 1-4-1, the Commanders are in the thick of the NFC East race. Now, they get a bye week to get healthier in some areas.
“Field goal. Oh, that was 4th down?”
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) October 20, 2026
certainly looks like lip readers believe Dan Quinn was completely unaware that it was 4th down and wanted to kick a field goal
💀💀💀 pic.twitter.com/yJYuAUmVZX
Daronte Jones’ defense played a strong second half
Washington’s defense has earned plenty of criticism this season. In several games, the Commanders have looked much better in the first half before struggling in the final two quarters. No NFL team had allowed more points in the fourth quarter and in the second half than Washington entering Monday night. At halftime, the 49ers had 303 total yards, 20 points and 17 first downs. They were averaging almost 7.5 yards per play.
That all changed in the final 30 minutes. After allowing the Niners a third-quarter field goal, Washington’s defense got multiple three-and-outs in the fourth quarter, giving the offense a chance to fight back. San Francisco finished with only 74 second-half yards and three first downs. Jones deserves credit for switching something up at halftime. The pass rush was much better in the second half, as the Commanders sacked Purdy twice in the final 30 minutes.
Washington has to hope the defense turns things around as players get more comfortable in Jones’ system.
Terry McLaurin injury devastating on all levels
The Commanders dealt with injuries again: Terry McLaurin, Javon Kinlaw and Sam Cosmi. Cosmi fortunately returned after a cheap shot by the 49ers. McLaurin and Kinlaw didn’t. McLaurin’s appears to be the most concerning. After the game, Quinn said it was believed to be “significant.”
This is terrible on every level. McLaurin is the heart and soul of the Commanders. He’s the team leader. He’s a player universally respected by every coach and teammate. He works every day like an undrafted rookie trying to make the team. And, yes, he remains Washington’s No. 1 receiver. This offense operates best when Daniels and McLaurin are on the field together. With McLaurin’s increased cap charge next year, you have to worry about his future in the burgundy and gold. No player this century deserves to begin and finish their career in a Washington uniform more than Terry McLaurin. He’s been a consistently positive light for the franchise and its fans since he arrived in 2019. Losing McLaurin hurts on and off the field.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 6 takeaways from Commanders' 23-17 loss to 49ers