Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn addressed the media after practice on Dec. 20. Here is a full transcript of the press conference.
Opening Statement:
"Okay, we'll get rocking. And getting ready for the game, it's been a fun week just in terms of the preparation and getting ready. Captains, said we needed to be heavy hitters and we certainly have them. So, [WR] Terry McLaurin, [LB] Bobby Wagner and [S] Jeremy Reeves are the captains for this game. And those guys, they could lead me anywhere. I'd be pumped about that. So, they've meant a lot to our team and what we stand for and what we want to be about. And so, I thought great recognition for them. So, all that said, let's get rocking on things for today."
On injuries for this week:
"We will rule out [DT] Jon Allen. So, he had a really good week. I was very encouraged and we're just going to keep progressing to make the steps. I'd be encouraged heading into next week as we're going through it, but he did an excellent job, I was really impressed. So, that's the only player we'll rule out."
On how different Philadelphia will play compared to their first matchup:
"Well, they certainly were effective, but every game it does play a little different. You don't just play it the same way. And when you're playing a team for the second time, always there's a few new looks and a few new wrinkles. And I think that's important, because when you're playing and practicing a team you card up all the looks and what's there and there's always a few nuances that are different. It's driven by the front for sure, defensively. They've got a big deep crew, pass rush acumen to them. And I thought the outside guys are playing strong. So, when they're playing their quarters where they're playing man-to-man and the rushers, that's when you know they're at their best. So, we'll have to certainly have good answers for third and fourth down going into the game. But they have a system, so it doesn't change too much but how you feature the players and different DNDs [down and distances] and those are the things that usually change."
*On if the defense can lean more towards stopping the run with the addition of CB Marshon Lattimore: *"Yeah, you have to. That's what makes part of them unique. 11 [Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown] and six [Philadelphia Eagles WR Devonta Smith] and 26 [Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley], those are combinations of people that are hard to defend. And so, outside players, running back, eight men fronts, or loaded boxes versus out and disguising to go do that though all those factor into it and you want to be bold enough that you can, but it's not just where you're playing a wishbone here and everything's in for the run. It makes it challenging. And so, the addition of Saquon to them in an already good group has definitely made an impact because you have to pick and choose. And you'll also have to play and stop the run on some fronts that aren't everybody loaded down inside. So, it's a good challenge, but we're able to lean in more for sure."
On if he thinks about competing with top tier teams in the regular season in order to make a run in the playoffs:
"Not in terms of the playoffs, but I think what you're referring to is if you want to go from contender to heavy hitter, you gotta beat some heavy hitters. So, we don't think past that, no. But in terms of Philadelphia, they've shown this season in the NFC East, they are that heavy hitter and you have to show that if you want to do that, you've gotta beat teams that are capable of doing that. And so that's really where the focus is, not down the line, but just really in this matchup for the NFC East. They've proven that in the east this season so far that they're the ones."
On what Lattimore does in coverage that makes him a great player:
"Yeah, and it'll sound like, thanks Captain obvious, but he can really stay attached. And having the foot quickness to stay attached is a difficult thing to do because routes change, people try to double move and so he's got excellent ability to stay connected. And so, that kind of change of direction and ability to start and stop, that to me is one of the things that he just stays attached better than most do. He plays with good leverage. He knows where to use help and that kind of experience is a big deal. If I have outside leverage on a player knowing I got help inside, he doesn't get beat outside and those are the things that jump out. I love the competitive nature, honestly, that he has too. I'd say that alone probably carries a lot just saying, 'I'm going to challenge, I'm not going to be denied.' And he's not a person that I'm going to play this, more off or reserved, he likes to challenge and be on. And so that suits our style too."
On choosing to stop the run or the pass game against Philadelphia and if Lattimore helps that decision:
"That's the hardest part. Yes, and you'll have to still use bits of both to do that. And so, that's what makes Philadelphia as challenging this year, is the ability of that to do that. So, it helps us. Yes, like of course it does, because of the challenge and the guys outside are ones. And so, you want to have the ability to go fight and challenge for it and adding Marshon to the group, those are the kind of fights that he's used to and accustomed to. And so, yeah, we're just looking for, it's been great to have him. He got to learn for a few weeks, even though it was uncomfortable not having him play, because as a new player, you want to be able to express to your teammates, you're in with them and going. And so, it was harder at first when he was in the rehab process, but to see him put the pads on last week, the head was nodding. And you could feel his energy and intent to go play and I loved that."
On how much the memory of the offensive line playing poorly in the first matchup can motivate them this time around:
"It does, because we feel like we've got more under the hood than what you displayed. And so, I think anytime you want to prove it and it doesn't go like you want it to, it can kind of go two ways where you're over trying and it's not going right ,compared to this is how we want to play. Run this, do this, be aggressive. And so, finding that balance of that, I think that's the whole art of it all, of playing great, being aggressive, being tough without thinking and over chasing stuff. And so, they've got an excellent front and so we'll have to, there'll be some dead plays, meaning one yards and zeros, but we're going to break some too. And that's the piece that you stay with it, you stay aggressive and what we've been able to do on the games where, time of possession and owning it, it happens a little longer down the field or excuse me, during the game. That's part of what makes Philadelphia so effective. Their ability in the second half to shorten the clock to go. And so, both sides in this game the third and fourth downs I think will be critical, because those are some drives that continue. And so, getting people on stops is going to be a big piece of this. And so, both teams are good on fourth down, meaning us and them, offensively I'm speaking of. And so, I think within the game that's a big piece of this too."
On DT Carl Davis:
"Yeah, I thought he's really showing that veteran consistency inside. He can play square, he's got size. And so, getting here, I had some experience with Carl before I knew he would add value as we were going, especially after Jon was injured. And so, getting him into the mix and going, it was right to put that competition up for it. And so, he's delivered on those ones. So, yeah we've been pleased what we've seen so far."
*
On if he identifies matchups during the week that will be advantageous:*
"Yes. Lots of times. And it kind of makes what's fun and players do too, to say, 'Well that's a good one.' Whether you're talking about [CB] Mikey [Sainristil] and Lattimore and their receivers, the ability to tackle on Barkley, the matchups with Terry in different spaces. So yeah, I think about that a lot. And I also do it on special teams because these can then be some big plays that go. And so, you know us, we like to cover and return and all the stuff that goes with that. So, they have some really talented special teams guys too. So, there's lots of matchups that go into it that, that I like a lot. And yeah, I definitely prod that some weeks more than others. That's the art for the players to study. 'This is the person I'm going against.' The coaches, they can handle the scheme and look for this coverage, watch for this past route based on a formation. But the player study, man, 'I'm going to know that stance. I'm going to know that alignment, I'm going to know where he puts his hands.' That's to me is like, how do you really prepare? It's the coaching and the player study merging. And the best of the best, they get themselves ready for that player that they have to see."
On how he's seen QB Jayden Daniels maintain focus throughout the season:
"For sure, before coming here I thought one of the things that I really admired about him, maybe after he was here, not before, in the pre-draft process, but I would say as we got into the season I thought he had the right blend of confidence and humility. And I haven't seen that change one bit. And so, I can remember last week we were having dinner and I said, I was asking about like the Heisman voting process and it was something I'd never asked a Heisman winner before. And of course Marcus is at the same table. And so, I asked the conversation for both of them, like, 'What does that look like?' And so, the fact that both of them, their humility, not advertising things such as that. I think kind of in a very small way, speaks to their humility and their confidence because they're able to handle a lot and not look for the pat on the back. And I love the way they're early, they're intentional about their work and they've got some pretty cool leaders around them that have shown that example. It's, this team is close. They're just, it's remarkable their connection they've had. And so, they're hard on each other in a good way. They have fun, make fun of one another. The Wagner's and Jayden Daniels sit right next to one another in a team meeting and if one picture's up, they'll be elbowing. It's just, there's a connection that the team has made and I think that allows them, they know he's done well. And so, no one inside the building's telling him extra. So, they give him a hard time just like anybody else. And I think that's important, but confidence and humility, I noticed that pretty early on. A good blend of both. And I think to be a special player, you need those because he doesn't ride a rollercoaster of emotions that take place."
*
On the illness going around and if the team is being extra careful:*
"It's hard man. We're like in a submarine together, it's hard [laugh]. But we try to be as much as we can. But yeah, that does happen and like most teams, you're just in close quarters together and this person gets it, the next person does. So, we don't know who patient zero was. There's a lot of discussion about that. So, a lot of finger pointing at people in a fun natured way. But yeah, that happens this time of year on any team. But yeah, we've battled through that too."
*
On his thoughts on Assistant Quarterbacks Coach David Blough and Daniels' Friday competitions:*
"Yeah, they do have some competitions on Friday and accuracy and throwing. And so, oftentimes we make fun of Blough that he's a dome quarterback only. And so, here it is in the snow, is he going to be able to compete? And so, we have a lot of fun on those days. And I even said to Jayden today, he's going outside, 'Thanks Q,' because we were going out. And so, in his own way of like, 'I'm bundled up, thanks Q.' I said, 'That's right man, you are the quarterback of the Washington Commanders. We're going outside' He laughed, but it was, like we go outside when we can, whether it was kind of fun actually to start off before even you guys got out there it was snowing harder. And so, it's part of it learning how to play in cold. I mean this is how we play and what winter football looks like. And so, I never want them not to be able to practice in that. But yeah, they definitely have a lot of fun together and it's just small examples like that, that make a big difference. They enjoy spending time together, the team does. And that's one thing that I've noticed from afar, that doesn't come from me. That's their connection, doing things together. And you might see a meal room after a team meeting and they're there half hour after just everybody hanging out, either watching a college game or doing those things when you're on the road. And that doesn't happen everywhere. And so, I'm very grateful they understand the joy of being in a group, being on a team, and spending time together. So, it's a big deal."
On Daniels and Wagner's relationship:
"Yeah, two California guys and two real competitors. But it's Bobby in his very own unique way, mentors a number of people. And might go down the weight room on a Friday morning at 6:00 AM and you'd see him and two or three others with him and trying to keep up, trying to follow some of those things. So, he doesn't ask anybody to do that, but they're learning and trying, okay, something must be working there [laugh]. So, he does have a rare impact on this team. And so, I've got a lot of gratitude for him, of the trust to follow me here. Not follow me, but to sign here when I'm sure he had plenty of options to do that. But that means a lot to me because his standard is always one that I've said that's the standard. And so, for him to trust me enough to come and there's a lot of unknowns coming here. So, that meant a lot to me, knowing that he had a lot of trust in me as well."
