The Washington Commanders were originally scheduled to have a walk-through practice on Monday. Head coach Dan Quinn was scheduled to speak to the media at 4.30 p.m. ET on Sunday, but these plans quickly changed.
And it represented a stern message from Quinn to his players without saying a word.
Now, the Commanders will hold a typical practice on Monday at 2.30 p.m. ET, and Quinn will hold his press conference afterward. It's only reading between the lines, of course, but it seems as if the respected leader is getting into his players to make sure standards remain high.
Commanders quickly shift course after preseason dud against the Lions
The performance wasn't exactly stellar in Washington's preseason outing against the Detroit Lions. There were a few bright spots, but it was underwhelming overall. The fans saw it, and, upon further examination of the game film, Quinn did as well.
He's reacted accordingly.
It's a warning to the players that slipping standards will not be tolerated.
The Commanders got way too complacent last summer, and they paid a heavy price during the regular season. Quinn cannot afford for the same thing to happen again, and given the esteem in which he is held in the locker room, it should prompt a positive response.
This has gone away from what the Commanders have displayed throughout the offseason.
There was a notable resolve, intensity, and higher tempo across practices. Everyone was stung by last season's failure, and they don't want the same to happen again. That also starts from the top down.
Things tend to wind down somewhat at this time of year. Practices are less frequent as preseason games take center stage, but something forced Quinn to shift course.
Dan Quinn wants to keep Commanders' standards high before stern Ravens test
Washington has a joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens upcoming, which will provide a true measuring stick for where this squad stands and what more may be required to be competitive in 2026. Quinn doesn't want to leave anything to chance, and making sure his players have one extra practice to hone their craft before going up against a legitimate Super Bowl contender will only serve them well.
This should also be a wake-up call for those who might be going through the motions.
There are no days off. Half-measures will no longer be accepted, and if changing plans refocuses everyone on the task at hand, it's a small price to pay.
Preseason results don't matter. Attitude and performance levels do.
Quinn clearly wasn't satisfied with the way things unfolded at Ford Field, and his actions said more than words ever could.
Hopefully, this brings a positive reaction from the players. Taking it easy is no longer an option, and everyone in Washington knows it.
And make no mistake; Quinn and general manager Adam Peters will be watching events in the coming days extremely closely before some big decisions are made during final cuts.
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