Dan Quinn is an intense man and a fierce coach; however, he has also displayed a sense of humor.
Sunday, following the Commanders’ 21-18 walk-off win over the New York Giants, a local reporter commented to Quinn that kicker Austin Seibert had been signed the day following the season-opening loss in Tampa.
She then asked Quinn, “Had you seen him before?” Quinn was kind, simply replying humorously, “Yes, and you have, too.” After a brief pause, he smiled and continued, “New York Jets.”
Indeed, Seibert had kicked in the pre-season opener against the Commanders. Quinn could have embarrassed her in front of the others. There have been coaches who have done such a thing. But Quinn did not, trying to smile and gently remind her she had also seen Seibert in the Week 1 preseason game.
On Monday, Quinn made a few introductory comments, as he often does, before opening the floor for reporters’ questions. Quinn said the Commanders will learn from their mistakes and, as a result, improve during the season.
Quinn then had some fun, indirectly referring to another famous NFL press conference moment when he declared, “We’re definitely on to Cincinnati.”
He could have said that the coaches and team must focus on their next opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals. Though factually accurate because the Commanders do travel in Week 3 for a Monday Night Football contest against the Bengals, Quinn decided to go tongue-in-cheek and quote the great Bill Belichick.
For those unaware, it was Oct. 5, 2014. The Kansas City Chiefs had just handed it to the New England Patriots. Belichick’s Patriots were so manhandled that Belichick had taken Tom Brady out of the game.
When a much younger Albert Breer asked Belichick about the Patriots not being accustomed to such a beating, Belichick responded, “Yeah, but we’re on to Cincinnati.”
A follow-up came, and Belichick interrupted, “We are on to Cincinnati.” A third attempt, another interruption: “We’re on to Cincinnati. It’s nothing about the past. It’s nothing about the future. Right now, we are preparing for Cincinnati.”
A fourth follow-up began. Again, Belichick interrupted, “We’re getting ready for Cincinnati. That’s what we’re doing.”
When a fifth attempt was made, again Belichick interrupted, “We’re gonna game plan, do the best we can, ready to go Sunday night, same as we always do. Nothing’s changed.
So notice Quinn, Monday, not simply, “We’re on to Cincinnati.” No, Quinn added, “We’re definitely on to Cincinnati.”
Dan Quinn can be fun, and as long as this team wins and brings him joy, we are likely to see more of that humor from Quinn.