Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn always has a unique way of describing things. And he always ties it together to make sense to Quinn’s audience.
It’s been a tough few weeks for the Commanders. Washington hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10 with a 7-2 record. A one-point loss was heartbreaking but not devastating, as Washington’s mistakes contributed more to the loss than Pittsburgh’s dominance.
Four days later, the Commanders were on the road, facing the Philadelphia Eagles in a battle for first place in the NFC East. Washington led throughout the game until around 12 minutes remained, when it ran out of gas against a terrific Eagles rushing attack and defense. Again, it was a tough loss but not a discouraging one.
Then, there was last week’s debacle against the Dallas Cowboys. That was more difficult. Still, the Commanders remained undeterred, focusing on their Week 13 encounter with the Tennessee Titans.
After Sunday’s 42-19 win over the Titans, the Commanders improved to 8-5 and head into the bye week on a positive note. Quinn reflected on a difficult, praising veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner for speaking to the team and keeping them focused.
Quinn was especially proud of Wagner and Washington’s other veteran leaders for rising to the occasion when the Commanders needed it the most.
“I love today that the lead sled dogs led the way, and that’s the [Zach] Ertz’s and [Terry] McLaurin’s and Wagner’s and [Daron] Payne’s and others, they led the way,” Quinn said.
“And that’s what you want when you’re going through the challenging times that the lead sled dogs, they’re out in front and Wagner and Ertz and others were a classic example of that. And it was just that type of performance to see those guys lead the way.”
We told you Quinn had a unique way of describing things, but it would make sense.
The Commanders have a much-needed bye next week before returning to play in two weeks at New Orleans, where Marshon Lattimore will face his former team.