Redskins’ QB Jeff Driskel Fires Back at Upset Fans Over “Ruining the Tank”

In a stunning and controversial moment this week, Washington Commanders quarterback Jeff Driskel found himself at the center of a growing backlash from fans who have accused him of “ruining the tank” following an unexpected performance in the team’s Week 17 win over the Detroit Lions. The win, which was largely driven by Driskel’s commanding leadership and a late-game touchdown drive, has left a portion of the fanbase frustrated, as it undermined the team’s chances to secure a top draft pick for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.

The Washington Commanders, who have been struggling through an abysmal 2024 season, were in prime position to secure one of the top picks in the draft, something many fans hoped would help the franchise rebuild. In recent years, the team has been in a state of flux with no clear direction at quarterback, a lackluster roster, and a front office under pressure to improve. However, despite a dismal record, Driskel, who had been filling in as the starting quarterback in the absence of rookie Sam Howell, refused to simply go through the motions and played with an intensity that helped propel the team to an unlikely victory.

The win, while celebrated by some fans for the team’s competitiveness and spirit, has been seen by others as a blow to the Commanders’ ability to land a high draft pick, which could be crucial to their future. In response to the growing criticism, Driskel took to social media to defend himself and make his position clear: he is not out there to “lose” for the sake of draft positioning, but rather to play with integrity and win for the team.

### The Win That Divided the Fanbase

The controversy began immediately following the final whistle of the Week 17 victory, as Driskel engineered a comeback drive that led to a last-minute touchdown. The win, though uplifting for the players, came at the cost of dropping the Commanders from the No. 3 spot to No. 5 in the draft order. While the difference between the third and fifth overall picks may not seem significant, it’s a major talking point for fans who believe that this season should have been about positioning the team for the future rather than securing a few moral victories.

The Commanders, under interim head coach Jack Del Rio, have been struggling to find consistency all season long. In particular, the quarterback position has been a source of constant change and instability. Howell, the rookie quarterback drafted in 2023, has had his ups and downs in 2024, and with an eye on the future, it seemed like a perfect time to “tank” for a higher pick and secure a quarterback or other franchise-changing talent.

However, Driskel, a seasoned veteran who had bounced around the league after playing for the Denver Broncos and the Houston Texans, has consistently performed as though each game still held major significance. Even with the future draft prospects in mind, Driskel showed resilience, maintaining an upbeat and competitive attitude despite the team’s struggles.

Fans who were looking for the Commanders to secure a higher draft pick saw Driskel’s spirited play as a direct threat to the team’s long-term plans. Social media soon erupted with anger and frustration, with many accusing the quarterback of undermining the team’s rebuilding effort. Some even claimed that Driskel’s actions could set the franchise back years by ensuring that they were no longer in prime draft position.

### Driskel Fires Back

The quarterback, who had been praised earlier in the season for his leadership in tough situations, fired back on social media in a direct and candid post.

“I’m here to win,” Driskel began in his tweet. “I’ve been in this league long enough to know what it takes to stay in this game, and it’s not by tanking or playing half-heartedly. I don’t play football for anyone’s draft position. I play to win. This team and these fans deserve better than to see anyone on this roster deliberately give up. If that’s not the kind of attitude you want, then maybe this isn’t the team for you. But we’re not quitting, and I’m not quitting either.”

His response immediately went viral, sparking even more debate across Commanders’ fan groups, sports media outlets, and commentators. On one side, fans praised Driskel for his commitment to the game and his dedication to the team. “This is the kind of mentality we need,” one fan wrote. “Winning culture starts with players who play for pride and respect, not just draft picks.”

However, others felt betrayed by his refusal to embrace the concept of “tanking” for the team’s future. “We need a top draft pick to rebuild. Driskel just sabotaged our future for one win,” one fan tweeted. “I get that he wants to win, but he should understand the bigger picture. We need a franchise QB.”

### The Ethics of Tanking and the Bigger Picture

The conversation around Driskel’s response has sparked a larger discussion about the ethics of tanking in the NFL. Tanking refers to the act of deliberately losing games in order to secure a higher draft pick, which is often seen as a strategic move by franchises in rebuilding phases. While some teams openly embrace the idea, others, like the Commanders under Driskel’s leadership, remain firmly committed to playing to win.

In professional sports, tanking is a divisive topic. On one hand, it makes sense for struggling franchises to focus on building for the future by securing high-potential players. However, on the other hand, tanking often goes against the principles of fairness, integrity, and competition that are integral to the sport. Players like Driskel, who are focused on personal success and maintaining their place in the league, view winning as a primary objective.

“It’s frustrating for fans to understand this, but I’ve got to play for my career too,” Driskel explained in a follow-up interview. “If I don’t play to my best ability, I don’t get opportunities. Every player has a limited window in the NFL, and I’m not here to throw away those chances just for a draft pick. I respect the fans’ frustration, but they need to understand that it’s not just about one season. It’s about building a culture where everyone expects to win, no matter what.”

### Coach Jack Del Rio’s Support

Head Coach Jack Del Rio, while not directly addressing the “tanking” issue, expressed his full support for Driskel’s mentality. Del Rio, a former NFL player himself, understands the importance of competitive play and was quick to praise Driskel for his leadership.

“Jeff has been a true professional in every sense,” Del Rio said in a press conference. “He’s come in, worked hard, and done everything he can to help this team, and that’s all we can ask of anyone. His mentality is what we need in the locker room, and it’s a good example for all of our younger players. We’re here to play the game at the highest level, and that’s exactly what he’s been doing.”

Del Rio’s comments reflect the broader mindset of the coaching staff, who seem focused on maintaining a high standard of performance rather than losing for draft positioning. The Commanders, after all, have a rich history of seasons where tanking was seen as the only option, but now, under Del Rio’s leadership, they seem committed to improving in every area, even if that means sacrificing a top draft spot.

### What’s Next for the Commanders?

As the Commanders finish out the 2024 season, they will have to navigate the delicate balance between rebuilding for the future and playing with integrity in the present. Driskel’s passionate defense of winning may not sit well with some fans, but it has certainly sparked important conversations about what it means to be a professional and how the future of the team will be shaped moving forward.

Regardless of the public backlash, Driskel remains focused on what he can control: his performance on the field. Whether the Commanders are selecting a top quarterback or building around the players they currently have, one thing is clear: the team needs leadership, and Jeff Driskel has shown, once again, that he’s willing to be that leader, even if it means standing up to his own fans.

As the dust settles, the Commanders’ franchise is left with an important decision: how to reconcile their fans’ desires for a high draft pick with the undeniable need for leadership and competitiveness in their locker room. Only time will tell how this controversy will affect the team’s future trajectory, but for now, Driskel’s message is clear — the drive to win will never be overshadowed by the pursuit of draft positioning.