Dan Quinn took drastic action heading into the Washington Commanders' international game against the Miami Dolphins. The head coach took over defensive play-calling responsibilities from coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., following a series of lackluster efforts that made this unit a glaring weak link.
Quinn had to try something. The Commanders were going nowhere fast, and it would have looked unfavorable on the respected leader if he'd let loyalty get in the way of the team. The personnel wouldn't change, but fans hoped this action could provide a spark sorely lacking.
It wasn't perfect; not by any stretch of the imagination. However, the defensive performance was way down the list of Washington's problems during the team's sixth successive defeat.
Commanders defense took a step forward under Dan Quinn's leadership
The minor tweaks Quinn made had the desired effect. Jordan Magee got more time on the field and flashed immense promise. Frankie Luvu looked more comfortable as an off-ball linebacker. Mike Sainristil's switch from nickel to boundary brought more out of the cornerback, and more creativity in generating pressure resulted in three sacks.
Sure, there were problems. The Dolphins got whatever they wanted running to the right edge. Missed tackles were a problem at times, but it was much better. And based on initial perceptions, Whitt's strategy was seen as playing a leading role in Washington's demise.
The Commanders came up with two sensational goal-line stands to force turnovers on downs. That should have been enough to seal a victory, but sloppy individual errors became their undoing. And for once, these weren't on the defense.
Sainristil's muffed punt, Matt Gay's two missed field goals, and Marcus Mariota's interception on the first play of overtime were too challenging to overcome. But the defense held Miami to 3-for-9 on third downs and allowed just 142 yards through the air. That represents a massive step forward that could lead to further improvements after the bye.
This season is over for Washington. They have six games remaining, but playoff hopes have evaporated. They don't have a chance of gaining a winning record, so keeping motivation high will be among Quinn's most significant challenges in the coming weeks.
As for Whitt? He'll remain on the staff in an advisory/coaching role the rest of the way. But unless he accepts a lesser position on the staff, there is a good chance he'll be removed from the equation.
That will be difficult for Quinn, but he cannot attach any sentiment to his decisions. Pressure is building, and one could argue he waited too long to implement the changes required, given the defensive growth in Week 11.
Even if they weren't enough to get Washington over the hump.