The Washington Commanders have turned heads with their strong start to the 2024 NFL season, currently sitting at 6-2 under head coach Dan Quinn. This success has sparked praise across the league, particularly for Quinn’s impact in transforming a roster that many NFL executives regard as less than stellar. In fact, some insiders believe Quinn’s leadership is driving the Commanders to perform beyond their talent level.
“It’s not a great roster, especially on defense, but they’re finding ways to win,” one league personnel member told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “Quinn is a fantastic motivator with tremendous energy, and he’s getting them to rise above what most expected from this roster. Jayden [Daniels] has been impressive, but Quinn deserves a lot of credit for what’s happening here.”
Quinn isn’t the only one receiving recognition; offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has also earned commendations for his work with the Commanders’ offense. A high-ranking executive highlighted how Kingsbury’s play-calling has been instrumental in unlocking the potential of mobile quarterbacks. “It’s easy to critique Kingsbury, but he’s really creating space for playmakers and designing plays that make it easier for mobile QBs to thrive,” the executive shared. His approach has been pivotal for the Commanders, allowing them to maximize their offensive output.
Leading the NFC East, Washington has already improved by two wins from the previous season, hoping to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has been central to this turnaround, showcasing his dual-threat abilities with 1,736 passing yards, seven touchdowns, two interceptions, plus 424 rushing yards and four more touchdowns. His development, aided by Quinn and Kingsbury, has given Washington fans hope for a promising season.
Quinn and Kingsbury’s work in molding Daniels into a poised NFL quarterback and elevating the team’s overall performance hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Commanders’ defense has also shown grit, allowing fewer than 20 points in five games this season, which has been essential in sustaining their winning momentum. While the road to the playoffs is still challenging, the strides made by Daniels, the defense, and the coaching staff demonstrate that this Commanders team is more resilient and well-prepared than in recent years.
