Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn addressed the media on Monday following the team's 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens to deliver some injury news and final thoughts before turning the page to the Carolina Panthers. Here are some of highlights from the press conference.

Jonathan Allen done for the year

Jonathan Allen left the Ravens game with a pectoral injury, and it was quickly determined that he would not be returning to action for the afternoon. Quinn said after the game that he would provide new information on the Pro Bowler, and the update was not positive. Allen will undergo surgery for a torn pectoral and be done for the remainder of the 2024 season.

"It's a big blow for us," Quinn said. "Jon Allen has obviously been a big staple player here with the play style and the attitude. We're really bummed for him as the man and the ball player."

Allen had a slow start to the season but had shown signs of his previous self in the previous two games. After being held without a sack and just four tackles in Week 1-3, Allen had a sack against the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns to go with nine tackles and three quarterback hits.

The Commanders don't have a complete replacement for Allen, but Quinn said that a "multitude of players" will be utilized to fill that role.

"Jon's rare, and he has unique skills and talents," Quinn added. "It's not just plug-and-play. The good news is that we've got a big, deep crew."

Phidarian Mathis continues to develop

Speaking of players who might get more snaps with Allen out, Phidarian Mathis is one interior player who has continued to improve since training camp. His stats might not be flashy, as he has just eight tackles, but his true value comes in what doesn't show up in the box score.

"Sometimes some of his best plays have been when he's taken two and it allows [LB Frankie] Luvu or [LB Bobby] Wagner to go," Quinn said. "It may not show up on the stat sheet, but it does show up in the meeting room."

Quinn feels Mathis is also at his best when he can use his length and strength to disrupt the running game. He highlighted one play against the Ravens where he knocked the center back and picked up a tackle on Derrick Henry. "Those seem like simple plays," Quinn said, "but they're not easy."

The Commanders have been at their best when Luvu and Wagner are allowed to play freely. So, perhaps having a player like Mathis, who can occupy double teams in the middle, will allow more impactful plays from the linebacker duo.

Mike Sainristil offers versatility

Second-round pick Mike Sainristil was proclaimed as the best slot corner in the draft by Nick Saban, but the former Michigan Wolverine has spent much of his time on the outside.

The Commanders still view Sainristil as a slot corner, but he is one of the unique players who can do more than just one job.

"That [in the slot] is probably where Mikey can make the most impactful plays getting a hand on the football," Quinn said. "But honestly, when you're a good football player, there's a lot of roles you can fulfill."

Sainristil has been solid for the Commanders no matter where he's been used in the secondary. He received the highest grade for a Commanders defender from Pro Football Focus and recorded the team's first interception of the year. He allowed 33 yards on four receptions, but only 13 of that was after the catch.

The Commanders still have a vision of using Sainristil defending the slot, but they also want to create the best matchups for their players. And thanks to his versatility, Sainristil can be utilized to create positive matchups all over the field.

"We're not where we want to be yet."

The Commanders start each week with "Tell the Truth Monday," which is a time for the players and coaches to be brutally honest about where they are at as a football team. It was easy to determine the most difficult truth this week.

"We're not where we want to be yet," Quinn said. "I was honestly proud as hell of the fight we showed in the game yesterday, but I also think there's definitely another gear, and it's a gear we need to get to."

The Commanders were good enough to give the Ravens a fight on Sunday, but that's not a standard they are satisfied with as they get ready for the second third of the schedule. The mistakes, while sparse, were enough for the Ravens to keep a firm grasp on momentum. To legitimately compete and win against teams of the Ravens' caliber, the Commanders must learn from their errors.

And how does Quinn know the team is ready to take on that challenge? The players themselves confirmed it, saying that "We're gonna f----- learn from this" in the locker room."

"It was strong, and knowing that we have to be ready to not only play hard but find these moments that we can go take that next step."