Dan Quinn has been getting it from all angles this season. The criticism grew even further after the head coach left Jayden Daniels in the game against the Seattle Seahawks for much longer than necessary. This resulted in a dislocated elbow that might end his year.
Quinn took accountability as all good leaders do. But one NFL analyst believes that if the respected figure doesn't get his house in order, the clock is ticking on his reign.
It's easy to knock people when they are down. Nobody expected the Commanders to struggle this much, even with some mitigating circumstances. Quinn isn't looking for excuses, but the signs that something was amiss during the summer have reared their head in the worst way imaginable.
NFL analyst urges Dan Quinn to restore order to the Commanders or risk it all
John Portis from SB Nation lambasted Quinn's poor decisions throughout a season to forget, which was exacerbated by the situation involving Daniels. He didn't feel his job was in any immediate danger, but the analyst thought it might change if the former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator couldn't get a better handle on things moving forward.
"Lastly, while I believe Dan Quinn’s job is safe for next season, so far it has been a disastrous display of poor decision-making for the second-time head coach, highlighted by Jayden Daniels’ injury in the 4th quarter of a blowout defeat. Quinn has to get a handle on himself and his staff and needs to do both in short order before he enters the last year of his contract."
John Portis
The locker room remains entirely behind Quinn. He led a sensational culture shift across the franchise last season, propelling the Commanders from obscurity into the NFC Championship game. It was always going to be challenging to meet these objectives again, and the injury problems all but evaporated any playoff hopes.
At the same time, this squad looks devoid of talent or inspiration. It seems precisely what it is — the NFL's oldest roster. Morale is low, and the coaching staff is failing to find the adjustments needed to offset some glaring flaws. Unfortunately for Quinn and Washington's passionate fan base, Daniels isn't masking these failings this time around.
Quinn is an experienced coach. He's been through a hard time before and came out on the other end smiling. That should serve him well, but the turbulence could intensify before everything gets back on track.
Anyone calling for Quinn's head right now is just reacting to the moment. Even so, that doesn't detract from how much soul-searching and hard work are ahead to steady the ship.