Dan Quinn is rolling the dice by taking over the Washington Commanders’ defense. Whether this becomes a more long-term strategy after the campaign is anyone’s guess, but the head coach needed to take drastic action right now.
The Commanders need a spark. Joe Whitt Jr. saw it coming, and the fact that he wasn’t surprised by his demotion spoke volumes. Washington’s defense hasn’t played well, and superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels hasn’t been on the field long enough to mask these failings again.
It’s a risky move that will cast doubt on Quinn’s credentials if he cannot turn things around. That’s to be determined, but the coach received the backing of legendary Washington quarterback Joe Theismann for taking decisive measures to turn the tide.
Joe Theismann commends Dan Quinn for taking over Commanders’ defense
Theismann pointed to Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell’s decision to call plays against the Commanders as an example of how these moves can provide the improvements needed. The Super Bowl winner added that this is Quinn’s team, and he was correct to take the required measures after some woeful defensive efforts in recent weeks.
“He’s the head coach, and all you need to do is look, a week ago, at Dan Campbell up in Detroit. He did the same thing on the offensive side of the ball. He wasn’t satisfied and happy with what he was getting. It’s his football team, and he’s in charge of it. And so Dan Quinn is doing what he believes and feels is important and necessary to try and get this football team back on the right track.”
Joe Theismann via SI
It might work. It might not. But make no mistake, it wouldn’t have looked favorably on Quinn if he’d stood pat and let things continue as they were.
The Commanders need a fresh injection of ideas. The players haven’t changed, so there is a dire need to improve the execution of the defensive game plan. Injuries haven’t helped, especially on the edge and across the secondary, but those healthy enough to participate need to show some pride and fight for their head coach.
The Miami Dolphins have an explosive offense that can put up points in a hurry. Quinn knows Mike McDaniel well, so it’ll be an intriguing matchup between two respected minds on their respective sides of the football. And any further failings won’t go down well.
Quinn is looking to salvage something from Washington’s wrecked campaign. And he’s going back to doing what he does best to achieve this goal.
Let’s see if it has the desired effect.
