Dan Quinn Considers Keeping Defensive Control with the Commanders
Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn has hinted at the possibility of remaining in charge of defensive plays next season, a role he took over three weeks ago in place of Joe Whitt Jr. This decision would represent a change in Quinn’s initial strategy, who upon arriving in Washington had expressed his desire to delegate more responsibilities to his assistants.“I’m finding a rhythm, so I’m not sure where I am in that yet,” Quinn commented. “I haven’t discussed or explored that possibility thoroughly. But yes, I would say it’s a possibility.”
Dan Quinn, Commanders CoachAnother relevant piece of news is the possible return of quarterback Jayden Daniels for Sunday’s game against Minnesota. Daniels is still recovering from a dislocated left elbow and has not been cleared for contact. Daniels hasn’t played since he was injured with seven minutes and 39 seconds left in the third quarter in the 38-14 loss to Seattle in Week 9. Quinn indicated that they want to evaluate Daniels’ “functional contact” before giving him the go-ahead, referring to actions specific to the game, such as using the arm to avoid a defender. Daniels’ availability will be determined on Friday, after observing his performance in training for three days.Quinn also mentioned that Daniels made “many” passes in the day’s training and that he will work on functional contact during practice, both in individual sessions and in specific exercises. Daniels had limited participation in last week’s training, although he participated in all throwing practices, taking care not to overwork his elbow when throwing. Additionally, Daniels will have a new quarterbacks coach for the rest of the season, as Tavita Pritchard was named head coach at Stanford. Quinn announced that David Blough, assistant quarterbacks coach, will take over Pritchard’s position for the remainder of the regular season, with the additional help of passing game coordinator Brian Johnson. The decision on the full-time quarterbacks coach will be made in the preseason, at which time it will also be determined whether Quinn will continue to be in charge of defensive plays. Whitt had been in charge of the plays from the start of 2024 until Week 11, when Quinn took over. In the last two weeks, Washington has employed less man-to-man coverage, with a total of 15 combined plays, compared to an average of 17 per game in the first 10 weeks. Washington’s defense has suffered significant injuries, including its two starting defensive ends and its two best cornerbacks, who ended the season on the injured list. So far this season, the Commanders’ defense ranks 28th in points allowed and 31st in yards allowed. Since the change in defensive direction, the team has improved, ranking 14th in points allowed and 25th in yards allowed.“That’s the step we need to see from him,” Quinn explained. “It’s not the traditional contact in the sense of taking a hit.”
Dan Quinn, Commanders Coach“I feel much more settled,” Quinn stated. “This week we found a great structure. Joe has been incredibly supportive and has helped us, and we’ve found our rhythm together quickly.”
Dan Quinn, Commanders Coach
