Tag: 2024 Commanders

Commanders’ Quinn reflects on crazy win vs. Bears

Dan Quinn reflects on Sunday’s win.

Dan Quinn knows he may never again experience what he saw and felt Sunday against the Bears.

Daniels’ final heave from his own 35-yard line found Noah Brown for the winning touchdown Sunday against the Bears. Dan Quinn spoke Monday to the press about his team playing until the final whistle.

“But as I was writing my notes, I stopped myself,” Quinn said. “First, to talk, not about the first 59 minutes and 58 seconds, but the last 12 seconds. And it was really cool, and I thought it was a really badass example of who this team is.”

The Commanders had indeed dominated thoughout the first half, yet managed only to lead 9-0. The Bears got a 56-yard touchdown run from D’Andre Swift and then two long drives by the Bears, taking the lead 18-15.

So, Quinn talked about the people on this team:

“And the locker room is really full of people, no matter the situation, that refused to tap out. And they fight individually and collectively for one another. And that’s really the secret sauce and the beauty of it all, is this is a room full of fighters that absolutely battle for one another.”

Indeed, Washington worked together, doing their assignments even on a “Hail Mary” attempt, accepting their assigned roles on the play for the good of the team. Jayden Daniels extended the play, the offensive line kept moving their feet blocking, and the receivers joined together to leap, hoping for a tip to Noah Brown.

“So, that’s one of the things that I thought about driving home last night, concluded Quinn. “I wanted to acknowledge again just how cool last night was to be in that arena and to hear our crowd and be a part of it. I don’t do that often enough, and I thought today felt like a good place to start.”

Quick facts from Commanders’ 40-7 win over the Panthers

Several quick facts from the Commanders’ win over the Panthers.

Kliff Kingsbury’s offense was on display today. The Washington Commanders had no trouble with the Carolina Panthers, winning easily, 40-7, at Northwest Stadium.

Perhaps the most alarming moment of the game was seeing Jayden Daniels injured and taken to the locker room. It is an apparent rib injury, and he did not return to action.

Here are some of the quick facts from the fifth win of the Commanders’ season:

  • The Commanders are 3-0 at home. The last time they were 3-0 at home was in 2005.
  • Washington outgained Carolina 421-180.
  • Today was the first time Washington scored 40 points at home since a 2016 win over the Green Bay Packers on a Sunday Night game.
  • Washington led by 27 points at halftime. This was the largest halftime lead since 2005 when they led Dallas 28-0.
  • RB Brian Robinson has run for six rushing touchdowns. This is the most in his three NFL seasons, and today was only the seventh game of the season.
  • Brian Robinson ran for his sixth rushing touchdown, tied with Robert Griffin in 2012 and Clinton Portis in 2008 for the most rushing touchdowns through Week 7.
  • Dante Fowler’s interception return for a touchdown was the first defensive touchdown of the 2024 Commanders’ season.

  • After going first five games with no interceptions, the Commanders have intercepted a pass in consecutive games.
  • Dante Fowler had previously returned two fumbles for touchdowns. Today was his first career interception touchdown.
  • TE Zach Ertz now has 47 career touchdown receptions. He is tied with Ozzie Newsome and Pete Retzlaff for 18th in most receiving touchdowns in NFL history for tight ends.
  • Fowler’s interception returned for a touchdown is the longest interception touchdown return at home since S Ifeanyi Ohalete’s 78-yard interception return in 2002.
  • The Commanders ran 63 offensive plays on Sunday, and the Panthers only ran 43.
  • Tight end Ben Sinnott had his first career reception today; it was also his first NFL touchdown.
  • Sunday marked the first time Washington scored 40 or more points in multiple games since the 2016 season (which, by the way, was the last winning regular season record for Washington).
  • Sunday’s win was the Commanders’ fifth of the 2024 season, surpassing the 2023 season win total of four.
  • Washington outrushed Carolina 214-95 and outpassed them 207-85.
  • Marcus Mariota was 18-23 for 205 yards, averaging 8.9 an attempt, two touchdowns and a passer rating of 132.8.

Panthers game will reveal much about 2024 Commanders

We will learn a lot about the Commanders this week.

The Panthers game is a big game this Sunday.

No, I’m not kidding. Honestly, it is a bigger game than many may realize.

Oh, how quickly we forget.

That’s right. In one short calendar year, the Commanders revealed to all of their fan base and the NFL world that they were never going to have a winning team under Ron Rivera.

Rewind to October 1, 2023. The Commanders (2-1) went up to Philadelphia to play the Eagles and lost a tough, contested game 34-31 in overtime.

What happened next was an eye-opener. The Commanders were announced as a 6.0-point favorite to defeat the winless and hapless 0-4 Chicago Bears at FedEx Field.

Players were heard in postgame interviews talking about how the loss in Philadelphia had been a good loss. Ron Rivera continued to talk about how the culture was good and how he believed in his team and, in particular, Sam Howell at quarterback.

Reading Twitter and listening to DC sports radio the next three days, the overwhelming consensus was the Commanders were so much better than the Bears and would win handily in the Thursday Night Football game.

Watching the game was so enlightening. From the outset, it was irrefutable that Ron Rivera did not have his team ready to compete. The Commanders were a step slow, they were not intense. The fact is Ron Rivera’s team was not energetic, and they were not competing as the Bears were.

The Bears thoroughly embarrassed Rivera’s team on national television. The team that seemingly was two games better, playing at home and on a very short week, found itself down 17-0 and then 27-3 at the half. The final score was 40-20. It was the definitive moment; we all knew the Ron Rivera era was finished. He was never going to have a winning team in Washington.

Fast-forward to 2024. Ron Rivera is gone, and Dan Quinn coaches here now. His team went to Baltimore last Sunday and won respect from the Washington fan base and NFL world, competing well, though losing to the Ravens 30-23.

Similarly to the 2023 game, the Commanders are 4-2, and the Panthers are only 1-5. Again, the game is going to be a Washington home game. The Commanders are a 7.5-point favorite.

Frankly, the Commanders need to be focused and intense in preparation, ready to show they are not resting on a moral victory like the 2023 team did.

This is an opportunity for Dan Quinn and his staff to show how much better they are than the Ron Rivera staff. Have this year’s Commanders team focused to truly compete each and every week.

On more than a couple of occasions, the Ron Rivera teams (2020-23) raised expectations and hopes of the fan base, only to then lay an egg in games where they were expected to or had a chance to win.

The good teams focus on process. On Sunday, we learn how focused and mature Dan Quinn’s Commanders really are.

Commanders sign a defensive tackle to practice squad

The Commanders make a move after losing Jonathan Allen for the season.

Adam Peters didn’t take long. On Tuesday, the Commanders general manager signed a defensive tackle.

In Sunday’s loss to the Ravens, eight-year veteran Jonathan Allen tore a pectoral muscle, which requires surgery and will miss the rest of 2024. Consequently, the Commanders desperately need their present defensive tackles to step up big time.

According to Mike Garafolo, Peters has added one more defensive tackle to the team, signing Carl Davis to the practice squad.

Davis was with the Cowboys in 2023, so he is known by both Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. Davis is 32, so Peters is not looking to Davis for a long-term solution but is adding him for this season if he is needed.

At 6-foot-5, 335 pounds, he is more of a run-stopping tackle like Phidarian Mathis (6-4, 312). In the 2015 NFL draft, the Ravens selected Davis 90th overall (round 3) out of Iowa.

Understand, this is only a depth signing for this season. Peters does not have some vision of Davis at this stage of his life/career coming in and being a Dave Butz or Darryl Grant.

Davis has appeared in 75 games in his eight NFL seasons, starting 19. He has played for the Ravens (2015-17), Browns (2018), Colts (2019), Jaguars (2019), Patriots (2020-22), and Cowboys (2023).

Ben Standig reported that the Commanders also worked out defensive tackles Deadrin Senat and Jonathan Marshall, electing to sign Davis. Senat (age 30) was the Falcons’ 2018 90th overall selection. He has played in 37 games for the Falcons and Buccaneers, starting two. Marshall (age 27) was drafted 207th by the Jets in 2021 and has appeared in four games.

Commanders’ identity will be formed during ‘tough’ times

Dan Quinn understands there are not shortcuts in the NFL process of winning championships.

Dan Quinn reminded me Monday of a Kirk Cousins moment.

Quinn was asked Monday if he thought the Commanders could win the division. He believes they can, but he does not emphasize that with his team.

“So honestly, we don’t really talk much about expectations and then we don’t put a lot of stress on that,” Quinn said. “What we do put a lot of stress on, it’s how much better we can get and it’s just, can you get better? Can your unit get better? Can we do that again this week? And going through the process for that.”

This is not a surprise. In tennis, for example, coaches and players are always talking about being process-oriented. That is, working on improving parts of your game and playing matches not merely to win the match but to improve your development.

This is what transpired years ago when Cousins was quarterback for the Washington Redskins. Reporters are naturally more concerned with the individual game, but players must consider what is best for their careers and development.

So Cousins responded, “I’m a little more process-oriented.” In other words, the most important thing for Cousins was not the game back in 2015 or whenever that moment occurred. What was more important was development, working the process, developing skills, and becoming a better player.

“It’s like a lifestyle we live here, man,” Quinn continued. “Can you get better? Can you dig in further? Can you get to that spot? And so that’s kind of the stressor that we go and not on outside expectations.”

So, for now, Quinn spoke on Monday about his team needing to be in a fight and going through that process.

“You need to be in these hard matches that suck, and you’re pissed at the end because you didn’t make the play that you needed to make. But that’s what an identity is all about. They’re not formed when you’re rolling, they’re formed in these tough close games and we’re going to be in a lot of close games this season. And I want us to feel like, ‘Hey man, we’re down for that fight and when it gets close that’s where we’re in our element.’ And we got to be in those ones, and we took an L yesterday in a close environment and we got to learn from it.”

Quick facts from Commanders’ 30-23 loss to the Ravens

Several facts and stats from Commanders’ loss to Ravens.

The Commanders’ inability to stop the Ravens’ offense was the most significant factor in Washington’s 30-23 loss at Baltimore on Sunday.

Perhaps the second most essential component of the day was the absence of running back Brian Robinson Jr. As a result, the Commanders struggled running inside and didn’t have the success running to utilize more effective play-action passing of Jayden Daniels.

Here are some of the quick facts from the sixth game of the Commanders’ season:

  • The loss snapped the Commanders’ four-game winning streak.
  • The Commanders lost Jonathan Allen (pectoral injury) and Dorrance Armstrong (shoulder) and were already without starting running back Brian Robinson (knee).
  • The Ravens outgained the Commanders 484-305.
  • K Austin Seibert connected on a 55-yard field goal, a new career-long. Seibert had previously made a 53-yard field goal in 2019.
  • The Commanders’ defense could not keep the Ravens off the field. Baltimore had the ball for 36:08, compared to only 23:52 for Washington.
  • The Ravens defense refused to allow Jayden Daniels to become a dual-threat quarterback. He gained a season-low 22 yards on six carries, with a long of only 9 yards.
  • DE Dante Fowler contributed three tackles for a loss, including two quarterback sacks.
  • WR Terry McLaurin caught two touchdown passes for the third game of his career and for the first time since Week 4 of the 2021 season.
  • Terry McLaurin only caught four touchdown passes all of 2023. He now has four for the season.
  • The Commanders had three receivers today totaling over 50 yards in receptions: Zach Ertz (68 yards), Noah Brown (58 yards), and McLaurin (53 yards).
  • The Commanders came into the game averaging 175 rushing yards. Today, without Brian Robinson Jr., they managed only 52 yards on 18 attempts.
  • Lamar Jackson was the story of the game, completing 20 of 26 for 323 passing yards.
  • Commanders’ corner Mike Sainristil ended the first Ravens possession with his first NFL interception. It was also the first Commanders’ interception of the 2024 season, not coming until the sixth game.
  • The Commanders keying on the Ravens’ running game were still unable to keep them under control. Derrick Henry gained 132 yards on 24 carries and Lamar Jackson contributed another 40 yards.

 

Commanders’ Dan Quinn thanks the fans for their energy and support

It ain’t coach speak: Dan Quinn thankful for the fans who gave the Commanders a true home-field advantage.

Dan Quinn has talked about growing up and knowing the NFC East games, as well as what RFK Stadium and fan support were like in those days.

Monday, he began his press conference by expressing that the first thing he wanted to address was the fan support for the Commanders in Sunday’s 34-13 win over the Cleveland Browns.

“I thought, first thing I wanted to hit before we get going is wanted to start by saying to the fans, I see it and I feel it, and we don’t take that feeling at all lightly.”

Suddenly, Quinn shifted to alerting all the DMV fan base that he was serious and was not simply regurgitating some coach’s speech to manipulate the fans or anyone else.

“I know it can sound like coach speak a bit to thank the fans for showing up, but in this instance, this ain’t coach speak. So, it’s the true speak. We enjoyed it and we had like a hell of a time with you, so thank you guys for bringing the energy you brought. We were absolutely dripping in it, and it was really cool to be a part of.”

As Washington fans grew increasingly frustrated with previous owner Daniel Snyder and with the team’s continued production of losing seasons, the number of home fans decreased at home games.

Visiting teams’ fans continued to snatch up the tickets, becoming the majority in the stands at the former FedEx Field in Landover. This was discouraging and frustrating for the players.

Quinn talked about how he enjoyed the environment on Sunday.

“You know, I had the best seat in the house, man. I had a 360-degree view of all of it, and it was really cool to see, and I didn’t want to miss it either. To feel the energy, that part of the third down, some false starts that went along with that and some offsides. That was absolutely caused from the crowd noise. So, when we talk about a home-field advantage, that’s what we’re talking about and the energy they bring to the team. It was really cool man. So, for me, having that front row seat and 360-degree view of it, I wasn’t going to miss it. And I could hear them, I could feel them, I could see it, the whole thing.”

Joe Gibbs used to take time out from time to time to thank the fan base, calling them the best fans in the NFL. Those days are long gone and won’t easily be reproduced.

However, Sunday marked a new beginning, and perhaps because this team has marked a new beginning this year. There is excitement and energy both on the field and now in the stands as well.

Quick facts from Commanders’ 34-13 win over Browns

Several facts and stats from Commanders’ 34-13 win vs. Browns.

Here are several of today’s quick facts regarding the Commanders 34-13 win over the Cleveland Browns in Landover.

  • The Commanders won their fourth consecutive game Sunday, after losing the season opener. The last time Washington won four straight was in 2021, when Washington was 2-6, won four straight to go to 6-6.
  • With the win, the Commanders are 4-1 for the first time since the 2008 season. But that team fell apart, finishing 8-8.
  • No. 17 Terry McLaurin caught four passes for 112 yards today. It was the 17th game McLaurin has totaled at least 100 receiving yards.
  • With another rushing touchdown today, RB Jeremy McNichols has scored in consecutive games for the first time in his career.
  • With three touchdowns rushing today, Washington has now registered three rushing touchdowns in three consecutive games for the first time in franchise history.
  • The Commanders’ defense held the Browns to 1-13 on third downs, while the Commanders were 8-17 on third downs.
  • Washington accumulated 434 total offensive yards, while the Browns only managed 212. The Commanders averaged 6.7 yards a play while limiting the Browns to 3.6 yards a play.
  • The Commanders are reporting that today QB Jayden Daniels has become the first player in NFL history to have had 1,000+ passing yards and 250+ rushing yards in their first five career games.
  • Scoring 34 points on Sunday, Washington has now scored 30+ points in three consecutive games for the eighth time in franchise history and the first time since 2005.
  • Terry McLaurin reached 400 NFL career receptions. McLaurin, Gary Clark and Satana Moss are the only receivers in franchise history to record 400+ receptions in their first 6 seasons with Washington.
  • Frankie Luvu had 7 tackles (4 solo) a fumble recovery, 2.5 sacks as the Commanders totaled 7 QB sacks. Others who had one were Bobby Wagner (1.5), while Jonathan Allen, Dorance Armstrong, and Dante Fowler each had one.

Dan Quinn not surprised by early success; believes Daniels will remain focused

The coach is not surprised by the Commanders’ success.

After four games, three of which have been on the road, Washington is 3-1, but Dan Quinn says he is not really surprised.

After trailing by as much as 37-14 in Tampa in the opener, the Commanders have bounced back for the last three weeks. The fan base is surprised and excited, but Dan Quinn, when asked Wednesday, insisted he is not.

“I’m not surprised. I knew the connection would be the number one thing for us to see if we could play well, how long that would take, how connected this team could get on all three phases. And so the support of one another, all of those things, that’s to me, the faster we could do that.”

After winning in Cincinnati, the team traveled directly to Arizona for their matchup against the Cardinals. The team appeared prepared, so united in mind and purpose, they were on their way to a 17-7 halftime lead and a 42-14 win over the Cardinals.

“I thought the team’s done a good job of fast-tracking the feeling out process, putting agendas to the side, absolutely all-out effort. Those are the non-negotiables that we’d have to have, and the team has got that way faster than you’d say a more established team would have some of those things in place. So those are some of the things that don’t show up on the stat sheet that I certainly look for.”

But how will the team now not get caught up in all of the national attention they have received following their last two victories? Each morning this week, the national television shows have discussed the Commanders and Jayden Daniels. That is a lot of fame and praise to be suddenly laid in your lap. How can a team handle that?

“I would say the one thing that it’s very easy to support Jayden. And the reason I say that is because you see it every day in terms of the work that he puts in and goes for it. So, there’s no extra things that you have to say to him in this regard because you see the character of what the man is. Had it been up and down, and I was worried, I’d have that conversation. But all he has shown all of us since he’s been here is a relentless approach to getting better and staying in the moment, and he’s got a remarkable level-headedness to him that’s wise beyond his age.”

It sounds like Daniels has his head on straight and he realizes he made it this far by being willing to work hard, arriving early, leaving late, and working to improve each day.

Daniels leads the NFL in passing completion percentage at 82.1 and just threw his first interception last weekend. He is also third in yards gained per pass attempt with 8.5.

Dan Quinn wants no tickets to the roller coaster for Commanders

What Dan Quinn said about the Commanders’ early success and moving forward.

Dan Quinn likes metaphors.

He pulled out another one Monday when speaking with the media when asked how he wants the Commanders to handle this success they are experiencing.

Quinn has made it clear previously that he has no desire to have his team go on a roller coaster ride. He wants the Commanders to enjoy this, but he wants them to think through it and avoid the sharp turns upward and downward that can occur.

“Well, I think one, you talk about it (success),” Quinn said Monday. “And you make sure, you want them to feel that emotion in the locker room after a win. They’ve worked really hard to put themself into that space to do that. So, seeing that and feeling that, that’s a good thing. What you don’t want to do is tickets to the rollercoaster, man.”

In attempting to avoid emotional swings and swings in performance, Quinn is a big believer in being process-oriented. “We have a real process that we go through every single week to get us ready to play. And so that begins today and all the way through tomorrow and into Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. We have a theme for every day. So, by staying consistent in that approach, I think that helps avoid the highs and lows.”

The same holds true in other sports as well. You need to avoid the trap of becoming results-driven rather than process-driven. You want your team to think and thus work toward the process of getting better.

Quinn still believes that though his team is 3-1, they can still improve in many areas. Thus, he wants that to be the focus.

“That’s the challenge to do the things that are really hard to do and you got to do them a lot. And so that’s the practice, that’s the grind that goes into it. And so that’s what we’ll chase man, absolute obsession with us getting better.”

The Commanders host the Cleveland Browns in Week 5.