RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe 2025 season was one to forget for Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil. After an impressive rookie debut for the 2024 second-round pick, Sainristil took a major step back last season.
Despite his struggles, Sainristil did lead the Commanders with four interceptions, continuing to show he can make plays on the ball. His coverage skills did regress, and he was on some lists that no cornerback wants to appear on.
Most yards allowed in coverage in 2025, per @NextGenStats : 1. Marlon Humphrey - 831 (BAL) 2. Nate Wiggins - 810 (BAL) 3. Amik Robertson - 808 (DET) 4. Riley Moss - 806 (DEN) 5. Mike Sainristil - 780 (WAS)
— NFL Researcher (@NFL_Researcher) January 7, 2026 In Sainristil's defense, he bounced around again last season, and it wasn't like he was the only Washington defender who regressed. Quan Martin, Frankie Luvu, Daron Payne and others all had their struggles last season. It led to head coach Dan Quinn demoting defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. last season and firing him in January. In his place, Quinn hired Daronte Jones of the Minnesota Vikings. That move has reenergized Washington's secondary, including Sainristil.
As for Sainristil, he's not looking to blame anyone for his 2025 struggles. Speaking with Scott Abraham of WJLA 7 in Washington, D.C., Sainristil took ownership of his play last season.
"I was in a spot where I was just pressing too much, trying to do too much," Sainristil said. "Instead of focusing on doing what I had to do, I was overreaching. So, I think, moving forward, when I look back at that season, it was just so much left out because of me just trying to do too much."
Sainristil is ready to turn the page on last season, saying his focus is now on 2026, but he again acknowledged he didn't play to the standards he set for himself.
Awesome one on one conversation with Mike Sainristil today. He was very open and forthcoming about his play last season. Mike told me, "I did not play to the level that I wanted to play at. It's not OK, but at the same time it was a learning experience for me." pic.twitter.com/qANi83f0VU
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) July 29, 2026 "My standard for myself is just super high. Of course, I did not play to the level I wanted to play at, and it's not okay. But at the same time, it was a learning experience for me."
Accountability. It's rare these days. Sainristil said all the right things here, acknowledging last season's struggles, but understanding how it could prove to be a positive as he moves forward in his career.
So many Commanders have a bad taste in their mouths from last season. Head coach Dan Quinn, quarterback Jayden Daniels, wide receiver Terry McLaurin and Sainristil are among the players who feel they have a lot to prove in 2026. That's a good place to be. While fans and the media may have lower expectations for this upcoming season, the players do not. They're out to prove they belong in the playoffs.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Mike Sainristil acknowledges 2025 struggles; ready to move forward
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