Head coach Dan Quinn has had a difficult week, to put it mildly.
Now, his Washington Commanders' referendum has arrived on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers.
Quinn has taken a lot of heat over the last few days. A complete debacle in denying Washington an overtime victory over the New York Giants came with calls to remove the respected figure from his post. That didn't happen, but the response at Levi's Stadium will be a stern message one way or another.
Dan Quinn needs his Commanders players to fight for him on prime time
If the Commanders show some heart and are still fighting for their head coach, that will be a massive positive for Quinn.
If the Commanders get blown out or down their tools before the bye week, that is a much bigger problem.
Majority owner Josh Harris is reportedly watching closely. He is keeping faith with Quinn, and he has avoided firing coaches in-season with his other sports franchises. But if the players are no longer responding to his methods, the billionaire might have no other option.
The time for excuses is over. So is the time for big words without substance. Talk is cheap, and even though Quinn has said the group has strong resolve, seeing is believing.
Quinn didn't lose the locker room in a five-win campaign last year. A major botch against the Giants could have caused some to question his in-game management and his composure in the biggest moments, but everyone is saying the right things.
But again, the proof will be their effort, execution, and body language against the Niners.
They will be a tough obstacle to overcome. Head coach Kyle Shanahan's squad is unbeaten. They are 5-0 and comfortably beating anyone in their path right now. Injuries are a problem, but unlike most other teams, they always find a way to cope effectively.
Commanders must show heart with their backs firmly against the wall
Nobody is tipping the Commanders for an upset. They are heavy underdogs on the road, and their backs are against the wall after a 1-3-1 start to the campaign, with very little going right.
Either the Commanders can cut and run, or they can stand and fight.
And after how last week unfolded, personal pride is on the line.
While Quinn is confident, there will be apprehension. He wouldn't be human if there wasn't.
He can put his players in the best possible positions, but they still have to do their jobs. They still have to show the togetherness and cohesion required to beat a legitimate NFL heavyweight on prime time. And they still need to be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Fans are going to find out a lot about this team, that's for sure.
All hope is not lost in the moribund NFC East, where nobody is standing out. But the sooner Washington starts picking up some positive results, the better its chances will be.
But if this group has no fight left, that will tell Harris everything he needs to know.
Quinn's done all the preparations. Now, all he has is hope.
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