There were notable improvements from the Washington Commanders' defense in Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately, it was not enough to erase the glaring individual errors elsewhere en route to their sixth defeat in succession.
Dan Quinn took over the defensive play-calling responsibilities from Joe Whitt Jr. There was a bit more creativity, and the respected head coach played to each individual's strengths. The Dolphins were not exactly heavyweight opposition, but the Commanders will take anything positive after weeks of lackluster performances and blowout losses.
There were some subtle signs about how Quinn views the talent available. And this game represented the clearest sign yet about how Tyler Owens' progress is being perceived.
Dan Quinn's plans for Commanders' defense didn't include Tyler Owens
Most fans thought Owens could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Quinn taking over the defense. Instead, the athletic safety wasn't allocated a single snap on the defensive rotation.
Jeremy Reaves led the way with 98 percent. Quan Martin came in at 66% despite his ongoing struggles. Darnell Savage Jr. played 46% of snaps, and Percy Butler even got in on the act with 4%.
As for Owens? He was reduced to an innocent bystander once again. The former Texas Tech prospect was on the field for 75% of special teams snaps, but this is not what the player or fans envisaged when Quinn took charge.
Owens has always had the physical tools. His production on the field hasn't matched it, even in college. Despite the Commanders' need to get younger, there is clearly not enough belief in the defensive back to come through when it counts.
Quinn needed to generate momentum quickly. He relied on those he trusts fully to get the job done, leaving Owens on the outside looking in. Whether this trend continues over Washington's final six games is anyone's guess, but it doesn't exactly bode well for the player's long-term future with the franchise.
And with veteran free-agent signing Will Harris on his way back from injury, the Commanders' safety room is only going to get more crowded.
There is a lot to like about Owens' ability as a special-teams player. He's explosive, with enough speed to reach the contact point quickly. It also allows him to be instinctive, taking more risks in a less controlled setting. That might be the niche he's forced to carve out for himself, given that the undrafted free agent in 2024 is pretty far down the pecking order right now.
This is a profoundly disappointing development for Owens. It'll be interesting to see if anything changes after the bye.