#missed-tackles

#missed-tackles

After a much-needed bye week, the Patriots were immediately tested in Week 15, as they welcomed the Bills for their second matchup of the season, which could have sealed the division in their favor for the first time in six years. Based on how they played in the weeks leading up to the game, which included a 10-game win streak, it looked like the Bills should be the underdogs on the road.

Listed at 5-foot-10 and 183 pounds, cornerback Mike Sainristil is the smallest player on the Washington Commanders' roster. That has never been seen as a problem because of the Michigan product's savvy and toughness. But as Sainristil has struggled for much of this season, questions about his size have started to crop up. The common wisdom was that Sainristil would thrive this year because he would be able to move to his more natural slot corner position.

Pressure is growing on this unit, which has not been at its best to start the campaign. However, it didn't take long to realize that the same problems would persist. Justin Herbert, the Chargers' superstar quarterback and legitimate NFL MVP candidate through four weeks, effortlessly moved the ball downfield. His long run was inexcusable from the Commanders' standpoint, and the signal-caller had no trouble punishing Washington after second-year cornerback Mike Sainristil's inexplicable offside penalty on the field goal attempt.