Training camp is officially underway for the Washington Commanders, who can now breathe a major sigh of relief as they get to hit the reset button with a record of 0-0.
But that doesn't mean head coach Dan Quinn isn't leaning into the scars of such a disastrous campaign.
Last season was ugly, primarily due to injuries and a roster that wasn't built to overcome them, and no one is happier to leave that in the rear-view mirror than Quinn.
The Commanders hired new coordinators on both sides of the ball in David Blough and Daronte Jones, hoping to modernize Washington's offensive and defensive schemes. Where Quinn is concerned, it's all about keeping his locker room together and bringing back the winning culture that got them to the NFC Championship game in 2024.
Quinn has been counted out from the moment the Commanders hired him. In 2024, he erased all skepticism. Now, he has an opportunity to repay Washington for sticking with him after a tumultuous Year 2.
Dan Quinn is making big promises again, and he'd better be able to back them up
Quinn spoke with the media before the official start of Commanders camp, and one thing is for certain. He's determined to let last season's disaster fuel Washington forward.
"Trust me when I say we learned every lesson from last season, and we're ready to apply them. But it's about the here and now. I'm excited for you guys to feel the energy of the team, their readiness, their swagger, so as we get started, I'm excited for you guys to feel that."
It's par for the course for Quinn, who brings an old-school master motivator mentality to the sidelines.
He's not a scheme genius or a play-calling whiz; that's what coordinators are for. He's a guy you want as your head coach because he embodies the image of a strong leader who takes no nonsense, doesn't hide behind excuses, and makes you want to believe in him.
However, talking the talk is one thing. Walking the walk is another.
We heard all about the "energy" last year too, and it just wasn't there on game day. Much of that was personnel-related and can't be blamed on Quinn, but regardless, he needs to be able to put his money where his mouth is. He knows if the Commanders struggle again, it will likely be his last season in D.C.
Quinn's politician talk has grown empty to many fans, but he can swing the narrative back in his favor in the coming months. Great leaders hold themselves accountable and learn from their mistakes.
Washington's leader of men has done the first part. Now we'll see if his proclamation holds up.
Add us as a preferred source on Google