The Washington Commanders have had a dominant showing against the Las Vegas Raiders, precisely what they needed after taking their first loss of the season on Thursday Night Football in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers.
However, the most memorable highlight -- or lowlight -- of the afternoon may have been a play that involved the head coach.
Late in the second quarter, quarterback Marcus Mariota was shoved out of bounds and ran directly into Dan Quinn. The Commanders' bench boss was knocked over and came up bleeding from just above his nose.
Dan Quinn's response to injury scare exemplifies his hard-nosed identity
To be a successful team in the NFL, you need a strong leader of men to set the example. The Commanders have that in Quinn, whose status as one of the league's elite motivators was evident during the 2024 season when he helped guide Washington from 4-13 to the NFC Championship game in his first season at the helm.
He's an old-school customer, and he puts his money where his mouth is. That was evident on Sunday, when Quinn was absolutely rocked and got right back up like it was nothing.
That's our coach 🙌 pic.twitter.com/68QBvFgay2
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 21, 2025
Just rub some dirt on it, like your mom used to tell you when you slipped and fell playing outside as a kid. Battle scars build character.
Anyway, the Commanders seemed to use Quinn's scare as some extra fuel, as they've taken what was a tie 10-10 game midway through the second quarter and poured it on. The ground game has been dominant, and the special teams unit has stood out with rookie Jaylin Lane scoring a sensational punt return touchdown.
Mariota has opened up the passing attack as well, with a 56-yard strike to Terry McLaurin late in the third quarter. The Commanders have come out firing on all cylinders after a lifeless loss in Week 2, and it's all a reflection of the toughness of their rugged head coach.