Dan Quinn has been navigating some severe turbulence this season. The Washington Commanders are still fighting for their head coach, but it didn't prevent another Christmas Day defeat to their most hated rival in what should hopefully be the team's last stand-alone game for some time.
The Commanders had nothing but personal pride at stake in their home regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys at Northwest Stadium. One could not fault the effort throughout. Even so, this contest should have provided Quinn with the clarity he needed before a critical offseason for the franchise.
This team is nowhere near contending. And there is absolutely no need for Quinn to continue with defensive play-calling responsibilities next season.
Dan Quinn must realize fresh ideas are needed across the Commanders this offseason
Quinn took matters into his own hands when things were spiraling past the point of no return. Joe Whitt Jr. couldn't get a tune out of his players, as the Commanders posted league-worst numbers in several defensive statistical categories. The improvements have been minor, but the same ongoing flaws haven't been addressed effectively enough.
One can point to the injuries as a viable excuse. But the team's lackluster interior run defense and complete lack of discipline in key moments continue to play a leading role in their demise.
That's not good enough. Quinn can only do so much as a coach. But when the message isn't being received, that's when drastic measures are needed.
It's why Whitt was demoted. It's also why Quinn needs to find fresh ideas for the expected revamp of the defensive personnel when the offseason begins.
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and when the head coach looks back on the issues that have blighted the Commanders this season, it's the only conclusion he'll come to.
Quinn is a loyal guy. They developed a close working relationship during their time together on the Cowboys. Removing his game-day duties was a necessary evil. And there is no room for sentiment if the Commanders want to bounce back from a season of abject failure.
The Commanders turned in a decent enough display, but it was a dead rubber. Netflix must have been wondering what they'd done to deserve luck like this, but Quinn will also know that fighting and working hard aren't always enough.
Washington's decision-makers ran it back with the large majority of those who reached the NFC Championship game last season. It didn't pay off, and this latest defeat proved beyond all doubt that hitting the reset button is imperative.