One could forgive Dan Quinn for feeling a little more excitement than most this week. Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys is the first chance he's had to go up against his old employers since becoming Washington Commanders head coach. It's also a contest the team must win to enhance their playoff aspirations.
Quinn galvanized his career in Dallas after being fired as Atlanta Falcons head coach. He turned their defense into a top-level unit, molding high-end draft picks and unheralded prospects into elite performers. He was highly respected by players and coaches alike - a trend that's continued in Washington during a memorable start to his tenure.
It will be an emotional occasion for Quinn. His love for the players and preaching the importance of building relationships doesn't just end with a new job. But when the whistle blows, it's straight down to business.
Dan Quinn wants Commanders fans to play their part in Week 12
The former Cowboys' defensive coordinator took everything in his stride when asked about the prospect of taking on those he worked with last season. Quinn was keen to highlight the importance of this historic rivalry and issued a passionate rallying cry to fans to do their part in pursuit of ending Washington's two-game slump.
"I think it's awesome, number one because here's two iconic franchises getting to go battle for it in the division. We're fortunate that we get to do it this game here at home. And that's a big deal when you're in the division of getting to play in at home and your crowd behind you and ripping for every chance that you can be loud and make a difference."Dan Quinn via Commanders.com
This contest is normally full of Cowboys fans at Northwest Stadium. But with Mike McCarthy's men sitting at 3-7 and double-digit underdogs versus the Commanders, fans might decide to keep their distance and avoid another potential humiliation in person.
That won't matter much to Quinn. He'll be more concerned about his team and how they respond in the face of prolonged adversity for the first time. This is an opportunity to change the tide and reaffirm their playoff credentials. Nothing but success will do.
Quinn will keep the pleasantries to pre and post-game. He's experienced enough to separate the two despite the high emotions attached. This is the message he'll also be relaying to his players - to remain professional and ensure everyone is focused enough to execute their assignments effectively.
It would be surprising if the Commanders didn't have enough to easily dispose of Dallas looking at how the two clubs have fared this season. There will be added motivation from both sides thanks in no small part to Quinn's presence. It's also worth remembering how many former Cowboys coaches and players he brought with him to D.C. to further raise intrigue.
This call to arms shouldn't go unnoticed by Washington's fanbase. They've been on the wrong end of this divisional battle for too long. If Quinn is asking them to inspire this team to a priceless victory, they should oblige after a monumental effort so far in Year 1 of an extensive rebuild.
If Quinn piles more misery on Jerry Jones, it'll only fill the owner/general manager with more regret that he didn't make him their head coach when he had the chance.