Joe Theismann supports Dan Quinn’s bold move to rejuvenate Commanders’ defense
The Washington Commanders are undergoing significant changes, and one of the most notable adjustments has come from head coach Dan Quinn, who recently assumed the role of defensive coordinator after demoting Joe Whitt Jr. This shakeup is aimed at reinvigorating a struggling defense that has failed to gain momentum as the season progresses. Commanders legend Joe Theismann has weighed in on this decision, expressing his understanding of Quinn’s tough call.
Quinn Takes Charge
Quinn’s decision to take over defensive responsibilities reflects a sense of urgency within the organization. The Commanders’ defense has been underperforming, and Quinn’s move is seen as a critical step toward restoring the team’s competitive edge. Theismann, speaking from Spain where the Commanders will face the Miami Dolphins this Sunday, emphasized the necessity of Quinn’s leadership.
“He’s the head coach, and all you need to do is look a week ago at Dan Campbell up in Detroit,” Theismann remarked during an interview. “He did the same thing on the offensive side of the ball. He wasn’t satisfied with what he was getting. It’s his football team, and he’s in charge of it.” Quinn’s decision is rooted in his belief that the team must adapt in order to regain its footing.
Building Resilience
Theismann views this move as a pivotal moment for the Commanders, emphasizing the need for mental fortitude among the players. “They’ve got to put a game together where when something happens, it’s not like, ‘Oh my gosh, here we go again,’” he explained. “It’s like, ‘Okay, let’s get past this. Let’s move on. Let’s make a play ourselves.’ That’s where they need to get to.”
Quinn has been working to foster a culture of brotherhood within the locker room, promoting an environment where every action is aligned with the overarching goal of building a resilient team. Theismann believes this mindset is crucial for the Commanders to succeed moving forward.
Honoring Service Members
Coinciding with the team’s journey to Spain, several events are being held to honor service members stationed there, including a flag football tournament as part of USAA’s Salute to Service partnership with the NFL. Theismann took a moment to highlight the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by these individuals. “These men and women who put this uniform on are deployed around the world to protect us,” he said. “They’re real heroes, and they deserve a lot more recognition and thanks than they get. I love the slogan, ‘Honor Through Action.’ That’s what they do.”
Anticipating Game Day
The winners of the tournament will receive tickets to witness the Commanders in action, providing them with a firsthand look at whether Quinn’s strategic decision yields positive results on the field. As the team gears up for this pivotal matchup, all eyes will be on how the newly realigned defense performs under Quinn’s leadership.

