Dan Quinn is a coach who resonates well with his players. But if he feels like standards aren't where they need to be, he'll let every single Washington Commanders player know about it.
The Commanders have an exceptional chance to go deep into the playoffs in 2025. Their fairytale run last season, coupled with some outstanding additions over the spring, dictates as much. At the same time, any complacency isn't going to bode well for a squad aiming to prove they aren't just a flash in the pan.
It's only the preseason. People get carried away for one reason or another, and it barely has significance when the real action commences. However, it was hard to be encouraged by the disjointed Commanders' performance in their warmup blowout against the New England Patriots.
Dan Quinn confident things will improve quickly after emphatic message to Commanders players
Granted, there were 30 players not suited up, and most of those figure to make leading contributions in 2025. But if the Commanders want to make noise deep into the playoffs, this needs to be a collective effort right down to the last man.
Depth is an issue, at least based on this showing. The Commanders brought in three new faces, disposing of 2024 fifth-round pick Dominique Hampton along the way. But more importantly, Quinn is confident this blip is not going to happen again.
"We do like a standard that we want, and when we nail it, I'll say it. And you may not be able to control the outcome or the reps, but we can control our play style. And I am certain that will look different."
Dan Quinn
I love this quote from Commanders head coach Dan Quinn before today’s practice.
“We can control our play style and I’m certain that will look different.”
Translation = a message has been sent to the entire team that Friday’s performance won’t be tolerated pic.twitter.com/E3246PSz2u
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) August 10, 2025
The translation to this is simple. Quinn has let his squad know that what happened versus the Patriots was simply unacceptable. And anyone not raising their performance levels accordingly won't last much longer.
The old standard is not the new standard. What was tolerated under Ron Rivera doesn't wash with Quinn. Those going through the motions or not treating every snap with the same urgency will feel his wrath. It's the urgency and mentality that saw the Commanders go from also-rans to the NFC Championship game. And the head coach isn't going to let things slip now.
Not many emerged from the game with credit. This was the sternest measuring stick so far, and several players fluffed their lines. But it was the lack of execution and effort that irked Quinn more than the result.
That's a big problem. One that hopefully brings a positive response from the players this week before Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals.
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