One thing keeping Washington Commanders fans from pressing the panic button during the team's dismal 2025 campaign is the supposed culture in the building. Everyone is firmly behind head coach Dan Quinn, and even though it's been a complete failure, hope has not faded regarding a 2026 turnaround.
Until then, the messages are ringing hollow. The tape doesn't lie, and the eight-game losing run speaks for itself. Fans are growing tired of the same old excuses, but that didn't stop one veteran from laying out another defiant message that will probably fall on deaf ears.
Javon Kinlaw was a marquee arrival to the Commanders this offseason. Most thought it was an overpay, with general manager Adam Peters giving the defensive tackle a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. His production has been sketchy at best, but it's not like anyone else on the defensive side of the football is catching the eye, either.
Javon Kinlaw urges Commanders not to lost faith in the bigger picture
Kinlaw remains immensely resolute amid Washington's ongoing struggles. The former South Carolina standout thinks everyone's focus remains on turning things around. He also promised that things will not be this way much longer, so critics should get their shots in while they can.
"Yeah, it's been tough, but ain't nobody wavering around here. It's all about mindset, and I think our minds have been right this whole time, but sometimes you go through things for certain reasons. It's cool. Everyone is going to kick you when you're down, but we're not going to be down for long. I can promise you that."Javon Kinlaw via 7News DC
It's the final four games of the season for the Washington Commanders.
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) December 10, 2025
DT Javon Kinlaw said, "it's important to see who got heart and who don't." pic.twitter.com/AuAV7fcbEE
The Commanders have been down for a long time. One could even argue that their 3-2 start was a mirage. Things have never been settled or felt right. Injuries haven't helped, but these issues only magnified the flaws on this roster.
The interior lineman is trying to keep everyone's spirits high, including the fans. Washington's supporters have heard all this before in recent weeks, with little substance to back it up. Kinlaw is writing checks that this team cannot cash in its current state. And unless the required moves are made this offseason, it might be a long time before the Commanders are back among the contenders.
Quinn and his staff will learn a lot about their players over the next four games. It would be easy to throw in the towel. It would be easy to think about their upcoming vacations after a demoralizing season. This is about displaying the correct resolve in the face of adversity, and based on Kinlaw's attitude, he plans to lead from the front.
Whether it has the desired effect is another matter. But fans are not holding out much hope.