Quinn’s Fighting Words! Commanders Coach Throws Down the Gauntlet, Embracing Underdog Role

Dan Quinn’s never been one to shirk a challenge. He’s installed a fighting spirit and winning culture across the Washington Commanders. The head coach won’t be going away from that in the postseason.

The Commanders cemented their feel-good status by securing a playoff spot with one game to spare. There is no time to revel in this newfound accomplishment and positivity. It’s on to the next challenge, which just so happens to be where Quinn began his head coaching tenure in Washington.

Quinn is looking for another big effort from his squad during their mouth-watering Wild Card contest at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This has also been given the primetime treatment on Sunday Night Football to whet the appetite further.

Washington was soundly beaten by the Buccaneers in Week 1. However, this is not the same team that was looking to find themselves and become a cohesive unit after wholesale changes throughout the offseason.

Even so, the Commanders are underdogs with sportsbooks versus the NFC South champions on the road. It’s a slender point spread considering home teams typically get a three-point cushion, but it enables Quinn to embrace the underdog tag and galvanize his troops to a rousing display.

Dan Quinn will ensure the Commanders won’t roll over as Wild Card underdogs

The Commanders are not going to be rolling over or accepting their fate. On the contrary, Quinn threw down the gauntlet with a resolute statement that dictates his team will fight with everything they have.

The team has earned the right to fight, and we’re going to fight like hell… I’ll leave it at that.Dan Quinn

Quinn is right. This mentality is what got the Commanders so far. Maintaining the same mindset and collective purpose is only going to serve them well when the stakes get higher.

The Commanders have nothing to lose. Nobody expected their participation in the playoffs and this rebuild is way ahead of schedule. That makes them an extremely dangerous animal.

Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed in the NFL. The Commanders are riding on the crest of a wave right now, but things can change quickly. Savoring the moment and seizing the opportunity should be the message from Quinn that will resonate well in the locker room.

Nothing but maximum effort and supreme execution will do. The Buccaneers won’t be an easy out by any stretch of the imagination, but the Commanders have a fighting chance if not more.

Quinn’s taken nothing for granted this season. He’s done a magnificent job of keeping everyone on an even keel amid the adulation. When the Commanders went through a difficult stretch leading up to the bye week, the former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator never wavered, reaffirming belief in his squad and driving them through the turbulence.

He was the right man for the job. There is no doubt about that now. While some fans wanted a progressive young coach such as Ben Johnson, having a culture builder and leader of men is the spark that woke this sleeping giant much sooner than anticipated.

The Commanders are in unchartered territory with their backs against the wall. Just as Quinn likes it.