This wasn’t the primetime statement head coach Dan Quinn had in mind. The Washington Commanders once again started slowly before finding their groove. But they were made to pay for too many sloppy errors and a defensive regression during their late meltdown against the Chicago Bears.
Quinn was visibly displeased before the game. The strain is starting to show, even though the Commanders are 3-3 and not out of the fight yet by any stretch of the imagination. Even so, that didn’t stop the respected leader from firing a blunt warning shot to the players about his expectations moving forward.
This was a tight game with very little between the two clubs. One could point to veteran kicker Matt Gay’s missed field goal as a significant influence on the result. However, giving up three turnovers while not creating any of your own was a far greater factor.
Dan Quinn bemoans Commanders’ slow start and turnover differential after Week 6 loss
Unsurprisingly, this didn’t go unnoticed by Quinn. This is not the standard Washington has set under his guidance. And he made it clear that this will not be tolerated any longer.
“We’ve become way too accustomed to digging ourselves out of holes. Two early turnovers. One late. All three phases dug the hole. We didn’t create any takeaways, finished minus-three. You really don’t deserve to win many games when you’re in that space. Honestly, just didn’t perform well enough. A lot that needs our attention. Can’t have that.”
Dan Quinn via NBC4 Sports
The players need to hold themselves accountable. Quinn can only do so much, and they either fail to meet expectations or do not grasp the game plan effectively enough. The Bears had some extra time to prepare coming off their bye week, but that’s no excuse.
This falls on coaching, too. Washington’s slow starts to games are an ongoing trend dating back to last season. They got away with it in 2024, but they are being exposed more frequently this time around. Adjustments are needed, and quickly, or things are going to get a lot worse when they take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7.
Quinn has overcome adversity before and come out on the other end smiling. His culture shift was the primary catalyst behind Washington’s phenomenal rise to the NFC Championship game. Reaching these heights seems like a stretch this season, but the Commanders are nowhere near out of the fight just yet.
It might be all doom and gloom, but it’s also worth remembering that they are just one game behind the Philadelphia Eagles for NFC East supremacy. All hope is not lost, but the Commanders have to display the correct resolve and come together. Things aren’t clicking right now, and it’s showing.
The coach is experienced enough to know that Washington is at a crossroads. Hopefully, his stern message will motivate his squad before their critical trip to face the Cowboys.
Anything less comes with severe ramifications attached.
First Appeared on
Source link
