“Sainristil has a real presence”

Last week, Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil had a rough start to NFL regular season games.

But coach Dan Quinn likes what he sees in Sainristil: his work during the week, his preparation and his attitude. Quinn believes in Sainristil and that the former Michigan Wolverines cornerback will bounce back and play well this Sunday against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium.

“I think we’ve gotten used to the urgency with Mike that he can play with,” Quinn said. “The blitzing, the communication, the ability to put pressure on whoever he’s guarding.”

Sainristil was involved in six tackles last week (five solo, one assist), but also took a few beatings from the Buccaneers’ receivers. It was certainly a learning experience for a slot corner in his first NFL regular-season game.

Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. put Sainristil on the field four times in a blitz against Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield in Week 1. In pass coverage, meanwhile, the Bucs targeted Sainristil six times, completed five passes against him and gained 58 passing yards while losing 11.6 yards per pass.

Although Sainristil had a lot to think about in the opening game, Quinn believes in him and they still plan to give him a lot of different tasks on Sunday against Daniel Jones and the New York Giants.

“Every week it might be a little different depending on who’s in the slot (corner),” Quinn added. “I’m really looking forward to seeing him in this home opener. I really am. He’s just got a great presence. In this game, they’re going to be in a lot of different spots and where things are hot, so that’s going to be a good thing.”

Since Emmanuel Forbes will be out for a few weeks (thumb surgery), Mike Davis and Noah Igbinoghene are likely to play more frequently on Sunday.