It's been a long time since the Washington Commanders were playing meaningful football at the business end of the campaign. Not many expected it in 2024 after wholesale changes across the football operation under the new regime. They were wrong.
The Commanders have been a revelation this season. Dan Quinn spearheaded a magnificent culture shift and got everyone on the same page quickly. They are an efficient outfit in all phases. It's not the finished product just yet, but Washington is much further ahead than anticipated in Year 1 of this extensive rebuild.
Now, there is a big fight feel to regular-season games again. The Commanders might not win them all, but they are a match for anybody. That provides some solace heading into the biggest contest of their 2024 campaign by a considerable margin.
After shooting themselves in the foot too many times en route to a late defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a different set of challenges await the Commanders in Week 11. It's a short week. It's a primetime game on Thursday Night Football at the Philadelphia Eagles. This will go a long way to determining who'll win the NFC East in 2024.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn sends clear message before Week 11
These are unusual experiences for the Commanders. It's a new-look squad and coaching staff, so it's a journey into the proverbial unknown for everybody. Fortunately, they have an experienced head coach in Quinn, who's seen and done it all.
Quinn isn't going to change anything. He wants to keep things as normal as possible despite the magnitude of this particular occasion. The former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator also urged his players to embrace the challenge, relish these moments, and know they can come through when it counts.
"I want us to feel comfortable in these environments. That’s the only reason. I want us to enjoy the buildup and knowing that the process of getting ready is like all the other ones. I just want them to know in these big moments and big games, that’s where guys like Jayden [Daniels] is honestly at his very best. In these crucial moments and these big plays to go. And I want us to feel very comfortable in this spot. I’d rather embrace it than shy away from it, but it has no different process to it. I want to make sure I’m clear with you on that."Dan Quinn via USA Today
It's not hard to see why Quinn is respected and beloved in the locker room. He's a leader of men. He recognizes the importance of the moment but is taking it head-on. If this message gets relayed effectively to his players, the Eagles have a fight on their hands in Week 11.
Nick Sirianni's men are the slight favorites. They are on a five-game winning streak and Lincoln Financial Field is a cauldron of intimidation more often than not. Couple this with the high stakes attached to the overall outcome, and it's not hard to see why the pressure might be too much for some.
The Commanders are made of sterner stuff these days. Quinn and his accomplished staff team have seen to that. They've taken a personable yet stern approach, finding the right balance and making sure everyone is aware of their assignments at all times. More importantly, everyone is enjoying their football again.
It's been a recipe for success so far. Looking at the stretch of games upcoming before and after the bye week, there's just no telling what the Commanders can accomplish if they secure another memorable road triumph and swing the pendulum in this storied rivalry.
They could come up short. But make no mistake, it won't be for a lack of trying.