Dan Quinn wasn't everyone's first choice to become Washington Commanders head coach. However, the impressive start he's made since taking the job is starting to win even his harshest critics over.
Quinn knows this is his final opportunity to be a successful NFL head coach. He's widely respected around the league and molded an impressive coaching staff once his appointment became official. That doesn't guarantee lavish accomplishments, but it's a great place to start.
Playing for the Commanders is fun again. That much is obvious when looking at the increased energy at practices and how every player is working in unison towards one common goal. Preparations are gathering pace, but Quinn's already left his mark as he strives to ensure everything goes off without a hitch before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With this in mind, here are three Commanders players who are already benefitting greatly from Quinn's presence this offseason.
Emmanuel Forbes - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders asked too much of Emmanuel Forbes last season. Despite the cornerback's impressive athletic attributes, he was taken too high during the 2023 NFL Draft based on his rookie production. However, all hope is not lost just yet.
Instead of throwing Forbes to the wolves, head coach Dan Quinn is taking a conservative approach. The Commanders are stripping things back with the former Mississippi State star and focusing on the positive attributes he brings to the table. Washington's staff is finding ways to maximize his skills, including the potential to be deployed on special teams as a returner.
Forbes is benefitting from improved coaching methods. Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. know how to develop defensive backs effectively. There are concerns about his size and how physically outmatched the player was in 2023. Removing problem areas from his game and building his confidence back gradually is the only way this pick has some chance of paying dividends.
It's still early days. But it's so far, so good.
Jamin Davis - Commanders LB
Jamin Davis boasts some outstanding physical traits. His production was solid if not spectacular over his first three seasons with the Washington Commanders. Solid isn't going to cut it under the new regime, so it's a huge campaign upcoming for the player in 2024.
One could argue Davis was hung out to dry by the previous coaching staff. The former first-round selection was the only significant investment made in the linebacking corps throughout Ron Rivera's four-year tenure. This asked a lot and tasked him with responsibilities he wasn't suited for.
Dan Quinn is changing that. Adam Peters did his part by giving the defensive second-level a significant boost this offseason. Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner have the makings of a prolific tandem. Jordan Magee is a rookie with potential. Depth also looks much-improved thanks to the signings of Mykal Walker and Anthony Pittman.
This gives Quinn a chance to get creative with Davis. He's still getting plenty of reps at linebacker over early workouts. The Commanders are also utilizing him as a stand-up edge rusher and even as a 4-3 defensive end according to those in attendance. The possibilities are endless with the Kentucky product.
Davis' athleticism and explosiveness could be a difference-maker for the Commanders in 2024. The coaching staff believes in his capabilities despite the franchise refusing to trigger his fifth-year option. This extra motivation to get a longer-term financial commitment from Washington should be all he needs to finally put together an outstanding campaign.
The jury is still out on that, but Davis is in the best possible hands next season and potentially beyond. If Quinn has the key that unlocks his genuine promise, it's all systems go.
Much like the situation with Emmnanuel Forbes, Davis was not used properly by those in positions of power previously. That's not a mistake Quinn plans to make.
Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT
Jonathan Allen looked demoralized and frustrated in equal measure last season. The veteran defensive tackle lost all faith in the organization under head coach Ron Rivera. He was highly critical throughout another underwhelming campaign. He even hinted that his future could lie away from the Washington Commanders unless something was done.
Allen is in a much better place now. The Commanders resisted the temptation to trade the player this offseason. They see him as an integral part of their growth plans - someone who'll be counted upon on the field and as a supreme leader within the locker room.
The former first-round pick looks rejuvenated. There's a big smile on Allen's face. He's enjoying his football once again. He's excited to work and be part of something special. All signs point to a return to his old form next season.
Dan Quinn's raised energy and increased standards have his seal of approval. The Alabama product will do whatever it takes to help this franchise get back to relevancy or better in 2024. The new creative defensive schematic concepts will be dependent on Washington's interior tandem of Allen and Daron Payne providing the disruption needed to excel.
Having Allen so motivated and inspired will set the tone for others to follow. Mediocrity or worse was accepted under the previous regime. That won't be the case moving forward, which is exactly the sort of mindset and ambition the player was looking for.
It's a big year for Allen. There's no guaranteed money left on his deal and he regressed last season. A strong campaign should be enough for the Commanders to extend his contract and make it more favorable. Anything less might see Adam Peters go for more drastic measures during his second offseason at the helm.
Allen is held in the highest esteem. Quinn's presence already seems to be having the desired effect entering Year 8 of his professional career.