The Washington Commanders' nightmare season is mercifully finished with the most challenging part of the schedule. Now, only one more game stands between head coach Dan Quinn's squad and the Week 12 bye, which has been a long time coming.
It'll be an overseas matchup in Madrid against the Miami Dolphins, and one significant change is in store. Quinn will take over in-game defensive coordinator duties from Joe Whitt Jr., who has been demoted to a lesser role within the organization.
This move had to be made. It also puts the Commanders' bench boss firmly under the microscope. If he can't turn the defense around, he's the only one left to fall on the sword — and he's well aware of that.
Dan Quinn is ready for his ultimate Commanders litmus test
For as disastrous as the season has been for Washington, Quinn deserves credit for one aspect of the way he's handled it. He's taken full accountability, and he's been honest about the lack of answers on the defensive side of the ball. That was evident when he announced Whitt's demotion.
"We've been digging for it. We haven't had it; we haven't found it. And so, that type of consistency and execution, that's what I'm after, and that's the only reason behind the move."
Dan Quinn via Commanders.com
The first step towards solving any problem is admitting there is one. Quinn comes from a defensive background and has Super Bowl-winning success as a coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks, so he's certainly qualified to take on this additional responsibility. He's determined to do everything in his power to find a fix, but now the question is: will it be enough?
The Commanders don't have Richard Sherman at cornerback. They don't have Kam Chancellor or Earl Thomas at safety. They don't have the Seahawks' version of Bobby Wagner; instead, they have the 35-year-old shell of the future Pro Football Hall of Famer. Their best pass-rusher is out for the season, and their depth is extremely thin.
It's not Quinn's fault that this is the roster he has to work with, but he'll need to get as much production out of the group as possible. Players like Frankie Luvu and Mike Sainristil have high-end upside, but have underachieved this season in large part due to scheming issues. Could someone like Jordan Magee or Tyler Owens break out?
All options should be on the table. Because if nothing works, Quinn's own seat will start to warm up in a hurry.