Washington Commanders Coach Dan Quinn said Monday he is taking play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. ahead of Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid. Whitt will remain on staff and retain his title as defensive coordinator.
“When something’s not working, we shift from the question of ‘Why isn’t it working?’ to ‘What do we need to do to get right?’ And right now, that’ll call for some change,” Quinn said. “I’ll take over the role as the defensive coordinator and all that entails. I’ve known Joe as my right-hand man for years, and he took the news like the pro he is. As a defensive staff, including Joe, we’re all consumed by getting it right. And that’s exactly what we intend to do.”
The Commanders gave up 44 points in Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions. During the team’s five-game losing streak, the defense has allowed 35.8 points per game. For the season, Washington is 29th in scoring defense and 31st in yards allowed per play.
To improve communication and the overall performance of the defense, Whitt transitioned from calling plays in the press box to doing so from the sideline Sunday. After that didn’t lead to a difference in results, Quinn decided it was time for a more drastic change.
“After watching and reviewing the tape, we felt off,” Quinn said. “I thought this is the time to add into that and lean in. Joe and I have got a great vibe together. We’ve worked together through our time in Dallas, and we’ll lean back into that space where he’ll help me along the way in all the leads up into the game and calling it.”
Quinn and Whitt have worked together since 2020, when Whitt was the pass game coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons during Quinn’s final season there as coach. They worked together on the defensive staff in Dallas from 2021 to 2023, with Quinn as defensive coordinator and Whitt as pass game coordinator and secondary coach.
Quinn called defensive plays from the press box when he was with the Cowboys, but he will do so from the sideline with the Commanders, given his other responsibilities. Moving forward, Whitt will assist Quinn in game planning throughout the week. On game days, he will sit in the press box and be the primary communicator with Quinn.
“Joe will be involved all week, obviously with the rest of the staff, in planning and getting ready for the game,” Quinn said. “And then on game day, he’ll be in the press box with the vision on the coverage and the things that we need to do. I’m fortunate that we’ve been in that battle rhythm together during our time together in Dallas.”
Quinn previously had been reluctant to strip Whitt of his play-calling responsibilities. The continuation of poor results changed his thinking.
“It was a tough decision,” Quinn said. “I’m hopeful that we’ll see the execution and consistency that we’re searching for.”
Amos is likely out for the year
Rookie cornerback Trey Amos suffered a fractured fibula Sunday night against the Lions, the latest blow for a team that has been devastated by injuries in the first 10 weeks.
While Quinn did not rule out Amos for the rest of the year, it appears unlikely the second-round pick will be able to return in 2025, given the general recovery timeline for his injury.
“(It) will knock him out for a while,” Quinn said. “He’ll miss some significant time.”
Amos is the third starter in Washington’s secondary to suffer a serious injury - and the second to fracture a fibula. Safety Will Harris has been out since he suffered the same injury in Week 3. Although he has made significant progress in his rehab, he has not returned to practice. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who started opposite Amos, suffered a season-ending ACL injury this month.
Amos had been the Commanders’ most consistent cornerback. His absence probably will press Noah Igbinoghene and Antonio Hamilton Sr. into more significant roles alongside second-year corner Mike Sainristil and veteran Jonathan Jones.
Payne is suspended
The NFL suspended defensive tackle Daron Payne one game without pay for punching Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in the second quarter Sunday. His appeal was denied by hearing officer Ramon Foster later Monday, and he will not travel to Madrid with the team.
Payne, the Commanders’ highest-paid defensive player, was ejected after he threw a right-handed punch at St. Brown. He did not speak with reporters in the locker room after the game.
St. Brown said he and Payne got into “a little scuffle” a few plays before Payne’s punch. He said he was chirping at Payne after a Lions touchdown, and “then he decides to swing on me.”
Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw said Payne “retaliated” against St. Brown after the Lions wide receiver threw the first punch.
“I don’t blame him for the way he reacted,” Kinlaw said.
Daniels, McLaurin are ruled out
The Commanders announced three injured players would not make the trip to Madrid: quarterback Jayden Daniels (dislocated left elbow), wide receiver Treylon Burks (finger), and linebacker Ale Kaho (concussion).
Burks on Monday had minor surgery on one of his fingers. While the team does not expect him to be sidelined long term, he will not play against the Dolphins. Quinn previously has said Daniels will be reevaluated after the team’s bye week, which follows the Dolphins matchup.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, meanwhile, did travel with the team to Spain, but Quinn said he will not play Sunday as he continues to work his way back from the quadriceps injury that has upended his season.