Dan Quinn is running out of answers. The Washington Commanders once again brought about their own downfall in Madrid, losing in overtime to the Miami Dolphins. And the head coach is getting sick of his team's lack of execution.
It was a horrible game, in all honesty. Neither team performed well enough to run away with it, but the Commanders squandered far too many chances.
Critical errors at key moments condemned Washington to its sixth straight defeat. Some honest soul-searching is needed from everyone across the organization during the bye week to turn the tide. And even that might not be enough.
Dan Quinn bemoans Commanders' costly mistakes after Week 11 loss
This didn't go unnoticed by Quinn, who cut a dejected figure after the game. The coach stated this loss stung because it was there for the taking. He also felt the Commanders didn't come through in the winning moments, which was arguably the most frustrating factor of all.
"Guys are definitely hurting. We had an opportunity to go win it, and we didn't get that done. I liked the energy going into the game; that felt right. I think you've heard me talk about winning time moments and missed opportunities, and that's what it felt like to me afterward. When you create a takeaway on defense. When you have missed chances at a touchdown in the low red zone. Missed kicks. Getting the chance to be in the lead and not closing it out. That's the part that stings the most."
Dan Quinn
Dan Quinn - this one stings pic.twitter.com/MwY4xQZRWN
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) November 16, 2025
It's not how Quinn thought this season would go. At the same time, there is only so much he can do.
The defense improved under Quinn's play-calling. The offense looked a little more balanced. But the costly individual errors that have plagued the Commanders this season came back to haunt them once again.
That's out of Quinn's hands. It's human error. He can coach them up and put them in the best positions to thrive, but missed kicks, a muffed punt, and failing to do their jobs are frustrations he can do almost nothing about.
Quinn earned the respect of fans last season during Washington's memorable run to the NFC Championship game. That's a reason why there is no legitimate heat on his job status, and it's painfully apparent that he is being let down by his players.
Massive changes are coming in the offseason; there is no getting away from that. Until then, Quinn has to keep spirits high and make the adjustments needed to ensure Washington has something to show for a lost campaign.