Dan Quinn gives the Commanders a reality check after Eagles win and it's the right thing to do

Let's not underestimate the importance and meaning behind the Washington Commanders' comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles.It was a sloppy, but gritty win that goes a long way in showing the growing team that you're never out of it when there are reasonable circumstances involved. And it's easily the team's biggest win of the year. […]

Evan Winter — NFL Managing Editor
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Dan Quinn talks to reporters after the Commanders' huge win over the Eagles.
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Let's not underestimate the importance and meaning behind the Washington Commanders' comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

It was a sloppy, but gritty win that goes a long way in showing the growing team that you're never out of it when there are reasonable circumstances involved. And it's easily the team's biggest win of the year.

But Commanders head coach Dan Quinn isn't calling it a statement, nor is he calling it a signature win, by any means. It's not just coach speak or anything like that, either. His reasoning for doing such is the perfect way to look at the final outcome and what it means going forward.

"I don't think that because there's a lot more under the hood for us," Quinn told reporters when asked if it was statement win. "A statement game is when you play really well. Then you know what you're capable of. So the good news is we can improve a lot. I wouldn't say it was that. I think it was a toughness game, and to show that you're down for the fight to go five quarters, I talked about that earlier in the week, this one goes five full quarters. That's the mindset I want us to have and knowing that it would be a tough game all the way through and give them credit, this is a tough group.

"But what I said is not anything deeper than that. I was hoping for that, but today was a example of resilience and connection as a team, knowing that mistakes did take place, and we kept ourselves in the game."

It may not be a statement game and per Quinn's definition of one, that makes sense. One can certainly argue the Commanders should not have won the contest and all they have to do is point to DeVonta Smith's awful drop on third down that would've essentially closed things out. Still, the Commanders were given a chance and they took full advantage of the opportunity.

It's a major step forward for a team that had yet to beat anyone with a winning record and had been on record about figuring out how to close out games. Even without Jalen Hurts, the Commanders still had to take on the Eagles' top-rated defense and they hung 36 points on them – which is the most points Vic Fangio's crew has allowed all year long.

The Commanders have always had the confidence that they can play with anyone in the NFL, but now, they have the confidence that they can beat anyone in the NFL, which is obviously a huge difference. But even then, Quinn is making sure his team stays level-headed, because even though they're 10-5, the playoffs aren't guaranteed just yet.

"We're getting closer to that. We need more honestly to do that," Quinn said when asked if his team can beat anyone in the NFL. "And today was a step in the right direction, but they weren't at full strength either. I'm not going to dismiss that. That's important to know, but we're gaining on it, but we need these moments. I would say this is a tough team. They're hardened. They've been in some fights as a group that's developing and growing."

Quinn is undoubtedly taking the right approach, here. There's still work to be done and if the Commanders don't do what's needed then a magical 2024 season will end with a thud no one wants to experience. 

And just like all things this year, I'm sure the team will buy into his message. And if they do, well, the Commanders are a team no one will want to play in the postseason, no matter who they are.

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