It's been encouraging to see the Washington Commanders' defense making strides under head coach Dan Quinn's leadership. Taking over these responsibilities was a necessary evil, but it has firmly exposed coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. as the problem until further notice.
Quinn has five games left in 2025 before contemplating the next steps. He's not entirely ruled out keeping control of the defense beyond the campaign, but it's got the scope to spread him out too thin when push comes to shove.
Until then, Quinn will attempt to continue on this improved trajectory. And one Commanders analyst urged the respected leader to give second-year linebacker Jordan Magee more opportunities down the stretch.
Commanders must finally see what they have in Jordan Magee down the stretch
Magee's been featured recently. Even so, Nick Akridge from Pro Football Focus believes the Temple product's athleticism and high energy warrant a close look in the coming weeks to see if he can cement a possible starting spot next time around.
"I think he's shown that he deserves more snaps. I think he should be getting more snaps. He only played 24 last week. I think he should be getting more than that. Because again, he plays very fast. He's such a great athlete, and that's kind of why he was drafted in the fifth round. It's always going to take time for linebackers, but playing behind Bobby Wagner is only going to help you. I think getting him more snaps would be great because when he does play, he is making plays."Nick Akridge via The Team 980
Which Commanders players who entered the year flying under the radar have proved to be potential solid contributors? PFF's Nick Akridge with his candidates pic.twitter.com/7EelGitIld
— The Team 980 (@team980) December 3, 2025
There is a sentimental attachment to Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, who both earned second-team All-Pro honors last season. Neither has particularly set the world alight this time around, and even though Quinn wants to gain some positivity from the season, he must also realize that planning for the future is also high on his list of priorities.
Of all Washington's mid-to-late round picks under general manager Adam Peters, Magee looks the most capable. There is still a rawness to his game that must be eradicated, but the relentless enthusiasm and elite-level athleticism represent solid foundations from which to build.
Wagner's been working hard with Magee on positional sense, understanding the defense, and anticipating pre-snap alignments. The progress speaks for itself, so giving him a prolonged run in the lineup down the stretch is only going to help his cause.
If Quinn gives Magee more playing time, and he thrives in the face of some stern competition down the stretch, the Commanders will have solved one glaring issue if Wagner retires or leaves the club.
And with draft picks at a premium once again, every little helps.