Commanders head coach Dan Quinn would get something close to vindication several drives later when he dialed up a brazen passing play on a fourth-down from the Lions’ nine-yard line.

Uh, as evidenced by Washington’s opening possession, head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff ... To motion backup quarterback Marcus Mariota under center before he took the snap, panicked, took a sack, and didn’t make any decision with ...

For Washington, coach speak isn’t cliché. The team listens to its elite communicator at the top and has responded with passionate play.

The Commanders took a major gamble with Jayden Daniels in the lineup on fourth down. But Marcus Mariota ended up getting criticized.

One Cowboys defender is watching Dan Quinn change the culture for the Commanders, much to his immediate surprise.

Mariota completed 34 of 44 passes for 364 yards and four touchdowns during the 2024 regular season, then took two rush attempts for one yard in two playoff games. Mariota never made a start but got the majority of playing time in two regular-season games and led the Commanders to victory both times.