Things have changed within the Washington Commanders. A new era brought fresh purpose and excitement. Actions were the theme rather than empty words. The fanbase is rejuvenated and players look re-energized heading into the first season under this encouraging regime.
Dan Quinn’s presence played a leading role in this newfound optimism. The head coach wasted no time in stamping his mark on the franchise. He got everyone on the same page and made players excited about the prospect of coming to work. That was not the case during Ron Rivera’s final season at the helm.
Much more is needed, but everyone buying in and displaying maximum enthusiasm is a good place to start. Quinn wanted his players to enjoy their football again. It’s been hard work, but adding a sense of enjoyment cannot be seen as anything other than positive.
This was a sentiment echoed by third-year offensive lineman Alex Akingbulu during his recent Locked on Commanders podcast appearance. He highlighted the complete culture shift in the building thanks to the drastic offseason changes. The player also revealed that the bond developed across the locker room has gone much better than originally anticipated based on comments via Fan Nation.
“The best way I could put it is it’s like getting traded to a new team, but you’re in the same city and honestly it is refreshing. I’m going to be honest. Coach (Dan) Quinn came in and set the tone. Day one, he set the standard. We literally came up with the standard as a team. It wasn’t just a coach telling us, ‘Yo, this is what we’re going to do.’ …So it is been a great process so far and I’m very excited to continue the journey that we’re kind of building together and all the coaches that they’ve added on to have the same vision that he has. …OTAs was probably like two, three months, but you can already tell we’ve already bonded a good amount of time. We bonded way more than you would think in those months for sure. So I’m excited.”
– Alex Akingbulu via Fan Nation
Quinn, his coaching staff, and the plethora of new players brought to the Commanders have breathed life into an organization on its knees. Everyone is relishing the challenge. Everyone is aware of their respective demands in pursuit of one common goal. Everyone is firmly on board and willing to do whatever it takes.
One of the big reasons Washington was so high on Quinn centered on leadership. The former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator is held in the highest regard around the league. Coaches want to work for him. Players want to play for him. That’s a recipe for success and something the Commanders haven’t benefitted from in some time.
This doesn’t guarantee anything. The Commanders are starting almost from the bottom under Quinn. It could be a long road back to prosperity. At the same time, there’s quiet belief that something special is in the offing.
If the same atmosphere is prevalent over training camp and the Commanders pick up a few notable scalps to begin the 2024 regular season, anything is possible. Given the way players are responding to Quinn’s methods, that’s a bold yet easily attainable objective.
Exciting times ahead.
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