Dan Quinn’s not impressed by the new-look Washington Commanders’ defense. It’s not the new play-caller and new scheme, nor the fresh talent added in free agency and the 2026 NFL draft that have the head coach concerned.
Instead, Quinn’s worried about the “mentality” and “mindset” of Washington’s defense. He explained why before the Commanders’ second preseason game, against the Detroit Lions on Saturday, August 22.
Quinn didn’t like the lack of an “attacking mentality” against the Miami Dolphins in the first exhibition game. That’s according to ESPN’s John Keim, who reported “Quinn wants to see a mindset develop.”
As Quinn put it, “I just didn’t love the urgency that we played with. It just wasn’t as downhill and aggressive like I saw from the practice. I wanted to see more of that.”
Attacking quarterbacks and pass-protection more aggressively is the change first-year coordinator Daronte Jones was hired to provide. Most of the offseason reviews about how Jones’ schemes are taking shape have been positive, but Quinn is right to call out the need for further improvement.
The Commanders can’t afford complacency after they’ve invested so heavily on this side of the ball this offseason.
Dan Quinn’s Right to Keep Defense Focused
Making progress in Jones’ more creative, but complex system will be an up and down process for the Commanders. There’ll be setbacks, and some of the difficulties left the team’s top rookie looking out of his depth against the Dolphins.
Getting to grips with all of the moving parts and deception in Jones’ playbook demands maximum focus from the players. It’s why Quinn’s right to call out his defense and keep the unit’s key players locked in, even after a solid showing during the 20-7 win over Miami.
The Commanders held the Dolphins to just 109 yards through the air. Washington defenders also snatched three interceptions, including this one by safety Quan Martin.
Taking the ball away more often should be the result of Jones dialling up the blitz and changing the picture in coverage after the snap. The Commanders are already ticking those boxes, but Quinn won’t ignore the issue that’s crucial to helping Jones’ plans succeed.
Commanders Must Fix Key Defensive Flaw
Jones won’t get to delve into his bag of tricks to confuse and hammer quarterbacks if his defense can’t stop the run. Unfortunately, the Commanders were gashed a little too easily on the ground by the Dolphins at times last week.
Miami amassed 117 rushing yards and averaged 4.18 yards per carry. The Dolphins gained 51 of those yards were gained on the opening drive that ended with running back De’Von Achane plunging into the end zone from short range.
Quinn should be concerned by how many key members of his defense were in the lineup when the Dolphins marched almost the length of the field. Keim pointed out “Washington needs to build depth. Would like to have seen a stronger showing on that first defensive series. Styles and Chenal both out there. Newton, Tuttle. Too easy. 14 plays, 93 yards.”
This group of names has since been thinned by a “significant” injury up front. Yet, no matter who’s on the field, the Commanders must show greater aggression and physicality stopping the run.
It’s the only way to put offenses into the unfavorable down-and-distance situations where Jones can unleash the full scope of his sophisticated pressure packages. Quinn’s desire to see more speed and toughness will be tested again by the run-heavy Lions.
Dan Quinn Calls Out Commanders’ Defensive ‘Mentality’