Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn isn’t going to acknowledge the recent talk about his team being one of the worst in the NFL. He certainly isn’t going to respond to the “inoperable” comment that has seemingly taken over the perception of the 2026 Commanders.
Instead, Quinn remains optimistic. And why shouldn’t he be? He has two handpicked coordinators he really likes. He has a healthy franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels. His healthy quarterback has plenty of new weapons, including four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs and a retooled — and faster — defense.
Coaches will always tell you the bare minimum. They’re never going to tell you about any areas of concern. So, what does Quinn think his team is capable of in 2026?
“I love our
locker room and the men that make it up,” Quinn said.
“They’re committed to one another in a really significant way. I love the work ethic that they’ve put in to get it just so. And that’s an excellent start. From a coach, that’s what you’re looking for from a team where there's been very few times I’m the one at the front saying, ‘Not good enough, not to this.’ To see that take place with them, and the connection they’ve had in a short time, that’s a big deal. The best teams I’ve been a part of had a strong connection in the locker room first, and that spilled out onto the field at practice, the way they compete. So to see that take place early, especially with some new players, how do they fit in as veterans and the rookies add to it? This team is just connected, maybe more quickly than we had. Perhaps going through, for the guys that are returning, a difficult experience and you share that together. You want to make sure you’re really ready to go.”
Some coachspeak, for sure. But something tells me that Quinn believes it. There’s a quiet confidence with this team, from GM Adam Peters, Quinn, his coaching staff, and the players. That’s not surprising. Before Week 1, everyone is undefeated. However, while many think Washington should make a move at center, Peters has remained steadfast in his belief that Nick Allegretti is the guy and rookie Matt Gulbin is a capable backup. He believes in this roster.
Time will tell whether Peters and Quinn are right. The Commanders have a tough start to the season with back-to-back road games within the division at Philadelphia and Dallas.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Dan Quinn reveals his expectations for the 2026 Commanders
