Tag: Dan Quinn

Two unbelievable Commanders’ streaks ended Sunday

These are depressing numbers that the Commanders ended on Sunday.

The Washington Commanders improved to 8-5 on the season after Sunday’s 42-19 win over the Tennessee Titans. Washington’s eight wins through 13 weeks is the most since the 1996 season.

However, Sunday’s win also ended two other streaks for the Commanders.

According to the Commanders’ PR team, Sunday’s win over Tennessee was Washington’s first December victory since defeating the Las Vegas Raiders in December 2021. If that stat isn’t depressing enough, Sunday’s victory was the team’s first December win at home since 2017.

Jonathan Allen and Tress Way are the only players on Washington’s current roster who were with the franchise in 2017. Allen was a rookie in 2017.

The current team has been busy ending streaks this season. Under new head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters, the Commanders have changed almost everything. The early returns are good, as Washington sits in a prime position to earn one of the NFC’s three Wild Card berths.

Jay Gruden was in his fourth season as head coach in 2017, while Ron Rivera was in his second season in 2021. There have been a lot of football games played at Northwest Stadium since the home team last won a December game there.

Good teams usually play their best football in November and December. It’s not surprising that Commanders haven’t been good for years. They’re never competitive in December, and there for a few years, always seemingly welcoming a new regime destined to repeat the same futility.

Times have changed.

Why did the Commanders release Emmanuel Forbes?

Why did the Commanders move on from Emmanuel Forbes? And what did Dan Quinn say to him?

It didn’t take long once the season started to see the Washington Commanders were done with second-year cornerback Emmanuel Forbes. Unlike most situations, this one was a little different, considering Forbes was a first-round pick just over a year ago.

Head coach Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., secondary coach Tommy Donatell, defensive pass game coordinator Jason Simmons and assistant secondary coach William Gay all have a history of developing cornerbacks.

None could get through to Forbes. On Saturday, the Commanders released Forbes with five games remaining in his second NFL season. Over the last five games, a healthy Forbes played eight total defensive snaps and was a healthy scratch in three games. The move was coming, whether it was now or in the offseason.

After Sunday’s 42-19 win over the Tennessee Titans, Quinn explained why Washington left Forbes.

“Yeah, [CB] Marshon’s [Lattimore] close, we talked about that, I think it was Friday, for him being back in it,” Quinn saif. And so, when we made the decision to release him, really just the best opportunity for the team at this point.”

Quinn then said that he told Forbes a change of scenery could do him good.

“And I had a chance to visit with him, and I explained to him sometimes that the change of scenery is good, and I’ve seen other players go to other clubs, and it turns out differently, and sometimes that’s a good thing. And I said that that can happen with you too. And so, I wanted to make sure he heard that from me, and there was even guys on his own team here that had started somewhere else as a first-round player and all of a sudden, just a different scenery and different shift. The new system can help. And so, we wanted to wish him best on this football journey wherever that goes from here.”

You have to appreciate Quinn. Telling any player you are cutting him is difficult. However, to waive a second-year player who has struggled but has done everything you’ve asked him to do is even more challenging. Quinn wanted Forbes to hear it from him while encouraging him at his next stop.

The Forbes’ pick shuts the door on a disastrous run of Ron Rivera draft classes. All four of Rivera’s first-round picks have been traded or cut. And it’s not like the traded players are necessarily thriving elsewhere.

The primary knock on Forbes coming out of the draft was his slight frame and inability to tackle consistently. That showed up repeatedly, but to make matters worse for Forbes, he struggled in coverage. He was never the same after Eagles star A.J. Brown beat him for multiple touchdowns in Week 4 of his rookie season.

Rivera should never have selected Forbes over Christian Gonzalez. Secondly, Rivera’s disastrous coaching staff last season didn’t help Forbes; they ruined his confidence and benched him. Quinn and his staff had their work cut out trying to rebuild Forbes’ confidence while also trying to scheme around the concerns about his size.

What everyone said after the Commanders’ Week 13 rout of the Titans

A collection of postgame quotes from the Commanders’ Week 13 win.

The Commanders scored the game’s first 28 points on their way to their 42-19 win over the Tennessee Titans at Northwest Stadium Sunday. The win broke Washington’s three-game losing streak.

Here is a collection of postgame quotes from players, analysts, coaches, and media personalities.

Logan Paulsen

“This is how the Dallas game should have gone…you capitalize on the mistakes they make. Not just settle for field goals but actively go down and score with well-designed touchdown type plays and that is fantastic…they were so much more urgent and that was really nice to see. This felt like the team we were used to watching earlier in the year.”

Craig Hoffman (Team 980)

“Marshon Lattimore should be back after the bye, which then adds talk about a team feeling like they have a little confidence, feels like they have wind in their sails in the right direction. That’s got to be a huge boost for them emotionally coming out of the bye.”

Chris Russell (Team 980)

“I guess that dumb “Kliff Cliff” thing can be put to rest by all the analytics amigos after today??”

Grant Paulsen (106.7 The Fan)

“Today snapped a 12-game losing streak in December home games for Washington. The 12-game skid dates back to 2017, as @Wash_PR  pointed out today.”

Dan Quinn

“I thought [LB] Bobby [Wagner] was the catalyst at the very beginning of the week and talking to his teammates, which he doesn’t do very often. So, for him, I knew there was something there that he wanted to share. And it’s so impactful when it can come from a teammate. And I thought he was the one that set this week off and set it in motion.”

Jayden Daniels

“It was great. It was great to win. Winning helps a lot so it was great to go out there and just have fun and be able to get out there and score touchdowns.”

“I can’t really pinpoint a point like a point in the week. I just think everybody, the mindset they had, and how we prepared throughout the week of practice.”

“I mean, I didn’t want to go into a bye week with an L. That would’ve been four straight. Obviously, winning always makes everything better.”

“We had a shorter field. We had a shorter field a couple of times this game and we capitalized. Last week we didn’t capitalize, and it came back and bit us in the butt.”

Terry McLaurin

“That felt amazing, honestly. The way we ran the ball at the line of scrimmage, the way we made plays on the perimeter, the way [QB] Jayden [Daniels] extended plays with his legs, the way we finished at the end with the ball in our hands, you know, that’s the standard that we have to live up to.”

“Yeah, you know, I’m extremely humbled and blessed to be in this situation, to play for this franchise with so many great receivers that came through here and just to have be a part of that elite group, I don’t take for granted”

“To get to play with a great player like Jayden [Daniels], it’s been a joy. Honestly, I’ve had a lot of fun this season growing and learning from him and helping him any way I can. And you know, with him, he’s going to give you an opportunity to make a play on the ball. He’s extremely accurate and, you know, he plays with a lot of confidence and I think that rubs off on all of us.”

Chris Rodriguez

“They (Adam Peters and Dan Quinn) believe in me, and I appreciate them for that. And, you know, every week, I’m just going to go out there whenever my number’s called and go out there and do what I need to do.”

“Obviously, I battled adversity throughout the week, but, they did a great job of keeping my head up and making sure I know who I am. So shout out to them.” (Teammates)

Bobby Wagner

“Shout out to Fletch. I don’t remember when I reached out to him, but I reached out to him awhile ago, and he was gracious with his time, and he answered every question that I had.”

“I’m just going to chill. I’m going to have one day where I just don’t set my alarm and I’m going to see what happens. So I’m looking forward to that.”

“I don’t think we really focused on the playoffs it’s more so just this was the game to focus on. We need to win this game. It’s good going into the bye having a win versus a loss.”

‘Lead sled dogs’ led the way for Commanders in Week 13 win

Dan Quinn describes which Commanders led the way in ending the team’s losing streak.

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.

Former NFL MVP: The Commanders are not on the ‘Kliff Cliff’

Some terrific analysis from a former NFL MVP on Kingsbury, Daniels and the Commanders.

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has been scrutinized in recent weeks. With Washington’s offense struggling over the past couple of weeks, the “Kliff Cliff” talk made its way back into the news.

What is the “Kliff Cliff?” It’s an unofficial term used to describe how Kingsbury’s offenses struggle in the second half of seasons, from his days as head coach at Texas Tech and during his four seasons as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

While the stats show some decline, it’s far from an accurate comparison and lacks context. It doesn’t consider college scheduling, which is notoriously weak early in the season, bad defenses, and injuries.

It’s essentially a talking point for many who seem to have an axe to grind with Kingsbury. Those who discuss the “Kliff Cliff” refuse to acknowledge that context exists.

One former NFL quarterback doesn’t believe in the “Kliff Cliff” or that the Commanders are on that proverbial decline.

“I’ve been hearing this narrative all week about the Kliff Kingsbury Cliff,” CBS Sports analyst and former NFL MVP Matt Ryan said on Sunday.

“This narrative of Jayden Daniels hitting the rookie wall. I do not see it. When I watch, I think Kliff Kingsbury is doing an excellent job with Jayden Daniels. One of the things I want to see with a young quarterback is use tempo. Forty-five of their 67 snaps last week were no-huddle. The other thing I like, get him involved in the run game early. Two designed quarterback runs in the first seven plays. Then, take a little bit of pressure off of him. Use some gadgets, on the ninth play of the game, they go with a reverse and it’s a gain of 20-plus yards. I think Kliff Kingsbury has done an excellent job.”

Then, Ryan accurately describes the situation better than anyone.

“The No. 1 factor here, though, is that they’ve exceeded expectations,” Ryan said. “They came into the season; I think nobody thought they’d be in the position. But he has helped put them there. I look at the six first-round picks that the Commanders had prior to Jayden Daniels; not one of them is on their roster. The issue with this team is a lack of depth, and it’s a lack of depth because of the people that were in that building before the guys that are there now. I think they are a year or two away, but I think this guy right here, Jayden Daniels, and this coaching staff has gotten it right.”

This is an excellent analysis from someone who has been in Daniels’ shoes and played for Dan Quinn. Ryan was one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks in the 2010s, and his analysis is much more accurate than someone who has a spreadsheet, an X account, and throws darts at Kingsbury’s picture.

Commanders make the right choice with Austin Ekeler

The Commanders placed Austin Ekeler on IR, which was the right move.

The Washington Commanders placed running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve Saturday. The move means that Ekeler will miss at least the next four games, making him eligible to return for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys.

Ekeler suffered a concussion at the end of last week’s loss to Dallas. It was his second concussion of the season, as he suffered one back in Week 3 and missed the following game.

Washington did the right thing, sidelining Ekeler for at least the next five weeks. Remember, the Commanders have a Week 14 bye.

Since Ekeler entered the NFL back in 2017, he has suffered four documented concussions. That doesn’t take into account any concussions he may have had before his NFL career. No concussion is more severe than another. Each time you suffer a concussion, it’s a head injury and should be treated with extreme caution.

So, while the Commanders are in a playoff race and Ekeler is one of their best players, they do right by the player, something that wasn’t always the case before new owner Josh Harris, general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn arrived.

Depending on how Ekeler recovers, he may or may not play again this season.

In the meantime, Washington will try to get it done on offense with running backs Brian Robinson Jr., Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez. Quarterback Jayden Daniels will also be involved in Washington’s running game.

There are usually very few updates on players in the NFL’s concussion protocol, meaning it could be a while before there is a definitive update on Ekeler.

Dan Quinn should be NFL Coach of the Year for inheriting Ron Rivera’s mess

Saturday’s release of Emmanuel Forbes is further proof of the mess Adam Peters and Dan Quinn inherited.

Another chapter of the miserable four-year reign of Ron Rivera was closed on Saturday. The Washington Commanders released 2023 first-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes after only 20 games played for the franchise.

The news wasn’t a surprise. Besides a thumb injury that cost him some time early in the season, Forbes has been a healthy scratch for weeks. Over the last five games, Forbes played eight total defensive snaps and was either inactive or did not play in three of those five games.

Head coach Dan Quinn and his staff, known for developing defensive backs, had seen enough of Forbes. With the release of Forbes, none of Rivera’s four first-round picks are in Washington anymore. The Commanders traded Chase Young (2020) last season, released Jamin Davis (2021) this season, traded Jahan Dotson (2022) in the summer, and now waive Forbes.

That’s some historic ineptitude.

That begs the question: What did Rivera accomplish in four years? Don’t even start about the culture. Anytime Rivera was even pushed about his lack of success, the excuses began, starting with the culture. He was changing the culture. Here’s the funny thing: right guard Sam Cosmi didn’t even understand what culture meant until Quinn arrived and actually changed the culture this past offseason.

Never forget Rivera and the Super Bowl comments.

“I don’t worry about being on the hot seat, Rivera said before the 2023 season. “If we go 8-8-1 this year and he fires me, and next year they win the division with 40 of the 53 players we drafted and the same quarterback? I’m vindicated, send me my Super Bowl ring.”

That aged poorly.

What did new general manager Adam Peters think of the roster Rivera left him?

Peters’ pause told you everything you needed to know and that was weeks before the new GM would take a wrecking ball to Rivera’s roster.

Heading into Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans, the Commanders sit at 7-5 on the season, currently an NFC playoff team. When you think of what Peters and Quinn inherited, it’s a small miracle this team even won seven games this season. And Washington has five games remaining.

Regardless of what you think about the Commanders’ recent slump, consider where they were. No, it doesn’t excuse the current three-game losing streak, but it should give everyone perspective. For the first in a long time, Washington has professionals in charge.

So, when you’re mad when Quinn doesn’t challenge a call or go for it on fourth down, remember where the Commanders were at this time one year ago.

Do you think Dan Quinn is scrolling social media to see what the media and fans say about him? It’s the same thing with Peters. Do you think he cares what those on the outside think of the job he’s doing? And Quinn certainly isn’t going to lecture a reporter for asking a valid question.

Regardless of what happens during the remainder of this season, Quinn should already be the NFL’s Coach of the Year for his work with the Commanders. Peters should already be the NFL’s Executive of the Year. They inherited a mess, but with five games remaining, they have the team positioned well for the playoffs—with a rookie quarterback.

The departure of Emmanuel Forbes officially closes the book on the Ron Rivera era.

Commanders pick interesting captain for Week 13 vs. Titans

A former top pick for the Titans will serve as one of the Commanders’ Week 13 captains.

The Washington Commanders name three new captains for each game. Instead of naming permanent captains before the season, head coach Dan Quinn took the weekly approach this season to reward his players.

Washington announces the captains for the next game each Friday, and Quinn opens his final press conference of the week by discussing those captions.

The Commanders’ captains for the Week 13 game against the Tennessee Titans are quarterback Marcus Mariota, defensive tackle Sheldon Day, and longtime punter Tress Way.

Way is a former Washington captain who is having another stellar season. Day is a nine-year NFL veteran who was signed to the practice squad in August and elevated to the 53-man roster in October. Since Jonathan Allen’s season-ending injury, Day has been integral to Washington’s defensive tackle rotation.

Finally, there is Mariota. The 10-year veteran has only appeared in two games this season but shined in relief of Jayden Daniels in the Week 7 win over the Carolina Panthers. Mariota completed 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

Why was Mariota selected? Well, there’s no denying he’s a popular player in the locker room, respected by his teammates and has been an excellent mentor for Daniels. However, he’s also a former No. 2 overall pick for the Titans.

Mariota spent his first five NFL seasons playing for Tennessee, going 29-32 as the starting quarterback, completing 63% of his passes for 13,207 yards, 76 touchdowns, 44 interceptions and rushing for 1,399 yards and 11 touchdowns.

“So, offensively will be Marcus Mariota, defensively, it’ll be Sheldon Day and on teams, Tress Way,” Quinn said Friday. “And so, we love that part of Fridays and getting a chance to say a few words about the guys and everybody kinda gets fired up.”

Quinn didn’t say it, but it’s clear why the team picked Mariota. Mariota didn’t necessarily leave Tennessee on bad terms, this continues a trend where Washington picks players as captains facing their former teams.

Maybe this week, the Commanders can get Mariota some revenge against his former team.

Jayden Daniels, Dan Quinn remember Sean Taylor

Dan Quinn, Jayden Daniels remember Sean Taylor on the 17th anniversary of his passing.

Nov. 27, 2007, is one of the darkest days in the history of the Washington NFL franchise. That’s the day legendary former Redskins safety Sean Taylor died after being shot in his home protecting his family.

While faces and names have changed over the years, the team has always honored Taylor. Recently, the Commanders teamed up with his daughter to create the Sean Taylor Legacy Project.

Regardless of who coaches or plays for the now-Commanders, Taylor’s name is always mentioned around the anniversary of his tragic passing.

On Wednesday, it marked 17 years since Taylor’s tragic death. Washington head coach Dan Quinn remembered Taylor:

“I’m really glad that you brought that up, and I did,” Quinn said about watching Taylor play. “[I] was not aware of 17 years for that. A presence, I think, is one of the first things that you think about even from entering into, like what a defender can be and look like and  the impact that a ball player can make on a team, and the energy that they can provide. And so, that’s the first thing, kind of gives me chills just on my arms right now thinking about what presence can mean to a team and to a group. And Sean had that in abundance.”

When Taylor died, Quinn was in his first year as the New York Jets defensive line coach.

Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was also asked about his memories of Taylor.

‘I mean, I watched Sean Taylor, I used to watch his highlights, so I know, one of my close friends, Jordan Clark, his dad, obviously [Former Washington S] Ryan Clark, they played together here,” Daniels said.

“So, he had a huge impact on Jordan, but just overall in the football world, just who he was and as a human being and the impact that he made on the field, obviously his electrified playing, hits, and making plays on the ball. So, I mean, it’s awesome just to have his remembrance here and try to keep that going.”

Ryan Clark also remembered Taylor this week.

The Commanders retired Taylor’s No. 21 jersey two years ago and remembered him on social media Wednesday.

Marshon Lattimore makes practice debut for Commanders

Marshon Lattimore is one step closer to making his Washington debut.

For the first time since he was acquired via trade earlier this month, cornerback Marshon Lattimore practiced for the Washington Commanders on Wednesday.

Sure, Lattimore was limited, but it was another positive sign that he was close to appearing in his first game for the Commanders. Lattimore has been dealing with a hamstring injury since before the New Orleans Saints traded him, which has caused him to miss multiple games, including all three since his arrival in Washington.

“We’re going to get some first shots at practice with him today and we’re really following a rigorous process with him,” head coach Dan Quinn said of Lattimore before Wednesday’s practice.

“And that’s not just with Marshon but especially with soft tissue injuries, and we got a great staff, and they’re working together also with him and the feedback that goes with it. And also keep him safe as well but we are pumped to get him back out in the field. They’re hard to predict, on soft tissue injuries and so it’ll be awesome to have him back out working into practice today.”

Here’s Lattimore in action, working with fellow cornerback Benjamin St-Juste.

The Commanders will want to see how Lattimore progresses this week before announcing his status for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.