Dan Quinn Addresses Commanders’ Execution Issues Ahead of Eagles Clash
Dan Quinn, the head coach of the Washington Commanders, has always been forthright about the team’s performance. As they approach Week 18 with a disappointing 4–12 record, Quinn’s primary concern this season isn’t just the win-loss tally, but the team’s inability to execute crucial plays when they matter most. “The one that I’ve had lots of sleepless nights on [laughs]… the consistency of those and executing those in those moments, we’ve missed them,” Quinn remarked, highlighting the depth of the challenges faced.
Layers of Inconsistency
Rather than isolating a singular point of failure, Quinn acknowledges the complexity of the team’s struggles. “When it’s a multitude of things and there’s layers to it, you want to keep digging, and I’m into that space for sure.” His candid assessment underscores the multifaceted nature of the issues plaguing the Commanders this season.
The Importance of ‘Winning Time’
Quinn specifically pinpointed what he terms “Winning Time,” referring to those pivotal moments that can dramatically alter the course of a game. These moments extend beyond just the final plays and encompass critical third and fourth downs, as well as Red Zone opportunities. “Yes, that execution of nailing exactly what to do in that space… It’s the ones of third and fourth downs, some of the two-minute ops to go,” he explained. His frustration is palpable as he reflects on the team’s failure to capitalize on these crucial junctures. “Those moments, yes, of not being able to nail them and recognize this is that play, this is that moment that calls for the hyperfocus. To not nail those in all three phases, that’s been challenging for sure.”
Quinn further expressed that when teams execute effectively, even losses can feel more palatable. “And if you can, you can put your head on the pillow saying, okay, we did all the right things that didn’t go our way,” he added.
Defensive Recklessness
The inconsistency also extends to the Commanders’ defensive approach, particularly in their tackling technique. Quinn has observed a shift away from fundamental tackling principles toward a more reckless style in an effort to force turnovers. “It hasn’t been as good wrap and driving your feet through the contact as it is, ‘I’m going to be reckless and go take my one chance at the ball,’” he said. This high-risk approach has proven detrimental. “So, the art of tackling is really about leverage and it’s owning that leverage,” he explained. “The ones that we’ve missed, I would say by large majority have not been somebody who was reckless punching at it as opposed to tackling.”
Confronting Failures with Honesty
As the team prepares for their final contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, Quinn emphasized the importance of confronting their shortcomings directly. “So, firstly I thought today, with the team included a bit of a ‘Tell the Truth Monday’ with Dallas [Cowboys] and the recap that went with that,” he noted. While he commended the team for their competitive spirit, he was clear that effort alone is insufficient. “I did love our fight, but our execution still has work to do… there’s also plays that like, ‘hey man, this, this part has to be better and how can we fix that.’”
With these reflections, Quinn aims to rally his team to improve their performance, as they head into a crucial matchup that could define their season.
