Coach Dan Quinn made bold decisions that helped the
Coach Dan Quinn made bold decisions that helped the Washington Commanders win a playoff game and take another step forward in a season that had already exceeded expectations.
This should not be surprising considering Quinn’s philosophy.
“I never want to look back and say, ‘Man, I wish I had gone for it,’” Quinn said recently. “I hope that’s my legacy one day long down the road: They say, ‘Man, that dude went for it.’ I hope our team plays that way.”
Sticking to that philosophy, Quinn chose to go for it on fourth down five times in the wild-card game against Tampa Bay. The Commanders converted three of those attempts, including a crucial late touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels to Terry McLaurin, leading to a victory over the Buccaneers and a trip to face NFC-leading Detroit in the divisional round on Saturday night.
“We’re not going to be reckless, but when there’s a chance and a moment for us to capture it and to be bold, we’re not going to look back,” Quinn said on Monday. “We’ve practiced it a lot, so it does give us a lot of faith and confidence when those moments come up.”
During the regular season, the Commanders were 20 for 23 on fourth down, with an 87% conversion rate, the best in the NFL since 2000, when Indianapolis went 9 for 10. Quinn believes their success in these situations comes from the team’s poise, led by Daniels, the rookie quarterback who remains calm under pressure.
Asked about the coaching staff’s decisions to go for it so often, Daniels said, “Obviously they’re confident in us to get the first down, so I’m confident in the guys to go out there and block, make plays and move the chains.”
A few times, being bold didn’t pay off — once in the first quarter and again in the fourth quarter. However, these moments didn’t hurt the Commanders.
After missing on a fourth-and-goal from the Tampa Bay 3-yard line, Baker Mayfield fumbled, and Bobby Wagner recovered. A few plays later, on fourth-and-2 from the 5-yard line, Daniels’ throw to McLaurin put Washington ahead with 10 minutes remaining.
Quinn said these decisions aren’t made impulsively. He prepares the team during the week for these situations and ensures everyone is on the same page during the game.
“It does change depending on time, score of the game, field position — all of those,” Quinn said. “It’s not one size fits all. But we do discuss it all the way through.”
What’s working:
Daniels continues to master the offense, knowing when to run and when to stay in the pocket to pass. The 24-year-old accounted for 304 yards, and his only sack came when he scrambled to get back to the line of scrimmage.
“It’s the playoffs, but it’s still the same game,” said Wagner, the six-time All-Pro linebacker who has developed a strong connection with Daniels. “The stakes are a little different, but he came in and played the game that we know he’s capable of playing and did a great job.”
What needs help:
The Commanders’ running game remains a struggle. Running backs Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols combined for just 44 yards on 19 carries, while Daniels ran for 36 yards on 13 attempts.
This brought up the team’s average slightly, but over the past five games — all victories — the running backs have averaged just 2.24 yards per carry.
Stock up:
Zane Gonzalez wasn’t the first choice as the kicker, or even the sixth, but he came through when needed. Gonzalez made the game-winning 37-yard field goal off the right upright, giving Washington its first playoff win in 19 years. He also connected on kicks from 52 and 22 yards earlier in the game.
“He’s really been doing that in practice, as well, where he’s hitting it good,” Quinn said. “For him to be able to step up and deliver, and then also a game-winner at the end — that’s a big deal for us.”
Stock down:
Cornerback Marshon Lattimore struggled against Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans, giving up several catches, including a touchdown, before adjustments were made to provide double coverage and have rookie Mike Sainristil cover Evans. Evans finished with 92 yards.
Quinn mentioned that Lattimore, returning from a hamstring injury, was on a limited snap count. However, with All-Pro wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown up next, the secondary will need more from Lattimore to have a chance.
win a playoff game and take another step forward in a season that had already exceeded expectations.
This should not be surprising considering Quinn’s philosophy.
“I never want to look back and say, ‘Man, I wish I had gone for it,’” Quinn said recently. “I hope that’s my legacy one day long down the road: They say, ‘Man, that dude went for it.’ I hope our team plays that way.”
Sticking to that philosophy, Quinn chose to go for it on fourth down five times in the wild-card game against Tampa Bay. The Commanders converted three of those attempts, including a crucial late touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels to Terry McLaurin, leading to a victory over the Buccaneers and a trip to face NFC-leading Detroit in the divisional round on Saturday night.
“We’re not going to be reckless, but when there’s a chance and a moment for us to capture it and to be bold, we’re not going to look back,” Quinn said on Monday. “We’ve practiced it a lot, so it does give us a lot of faith and confidence when those moments come up.”
During the regular season, the Commanders were 20 for 23 on fourth down, with an 87% conversion rate, the best in the NFL since 2000, when Indianapolis went 9 for 10. Quinn believes their success in these situations comes from the team’s poise, led by Daniels, the rookie quarterback who remains calm under pressure.
Asked about the coaching staff’s decisions to go for it so often, Daniels said, “Obviously they’re confident in us to get the first down, so I’m confident in the guys to go out there and block, make plays and move the chains.”
A few times, being bold didn’t pay off — once in the first quarter and again in the fourth quarter. However, these moments didn’t hurt the Commanders. After missing on a fourth-and-goal from the Tampa Bay 3-yard line, Baker Mayfield fumbled, and Bobby Wagner recovered. A few plays later, on fourth-and-2 from the 5-yard line, Daniels’ throw to McLaurin put Washington ahead with 10 minutes remaining.
Quinn said these decisions aren’t made impulsively. He prepares the team during the week for these situations and ensures everyone is on the same page during the game.
“It does change depending on time, score of the game, field position — all of those,” Quinn said. “It’s not one size fits all. But we do discuss it all the way through.”
What’s working:
Daniels continues to master the offense, knowing when to run and when to stay in the pocket to pass. The 24-year-old accounted for 304 yards, and his only sack came when he scrambled to get back to the line of scrimmage.
“It’s the playoffs, but it’s still the same game,” said Wagner, the six-time All-Pro linebacker who has developed a strong connection with Daniels. “The stakes are a little different, but he came in and played the game that we know he’s capable of playing and did a great job.”
What needs help:
The Commanders’ running game remains a struggle. Running backs Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols combined for just 44 yards on 19 carries, while Daniels ran for 36 yards on 13 attempts.
This brought up the team’s average slightly, but over the past five games — all victories — the running backs have averaged just 2.24 yards per carry.
Stock up:
Zane Gonzalez wasn’t the first choice as the kicker, or even the sixth, but he came through when needed. Gonzalez made the game-winning 37-yard field goal off the right upright, giving Washington its first playoff win in 19 years. He also connected on kicks from 52 and 22 yards earlier in the game.
“He’s really been doing that in practice, as well, where he’s hitting it good,” Quinn said. “For him to be able to step up and deliver, and then also a game-winner at the end — that’s a big deal for us.”
Stock down:
Cornerback Marshon Lattimore struggled against Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans, giving up several catches, including a touchdown before adjustments were made to provide double coverage and have rookie Mike Sainristil cover Evans. Evans finished with 92 yards.
Quinn mentioned that Lattimore, returning from a hamstring injury, was on a limited snap count. However, with All-Pro wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown up next, the secondary will need more from Lattimore to have a chance.
