Dan Quinn Commanders’ Top Player, Expresses Frustration After Steelers Loss
In the wake of a tough 24-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Dan Quinn didn’t mince words. Following the game, Quinn addressed the media with a mixture of frustration and clarity, reflecting on the team’s shortcomings while also shining a light on a standout player he believes has been a bright spot for the Commanders.
After falling to 4-3 on the season, the Commanders’ defense struggled to contain Steelers rookie quarterback **Kenny Pickett** and the Pittsburgh offense, which found success through a balanced attack and capitalized on several key mistakes. Although Quinn was quick to point out the team’s collective defensive failures, he also highlighted one player who, despite the loss, stood out as a key force on the field.
“**Jamin Davis** was absolutely the player of the game for us,” Quinn said, nodding in the direction of his young linebacker, who has quickly become a rising star for Washington. “I think he was everywhere out there today, making plays, showing up when we needed him most. He’s been our top player consistently this season, and today was no different. He had his hands on everything, from making tackles to being disruptive in the passing game. He’s really grown into his role.”
Davis, a former first-round pick from Kentucky, has been a focal point of Washington’s defense since entering the league, but his development this season has caught the attention of coaches and fans alike. In the loss to Pittsburgh, Davis registered 11 total tackles, one sack, and two pass deflections. His ability to cover both the run and pass has made him one of the most versatile linebackers in the NFC, and Quinn believes his performance deserves recognition, even in the face of the team’s overall struggles.
“Jamin’s not just a guy who’s there for the tackles,” Quinn added. “He’s got that football instinct. His ability to be in the right place at the right time and make plays — that’s something we need more of from the entire defense. But he’s definitely been our best player.”
Despite Davis’ strong showing, Quinn was clearly upset by the defensive lapses that allowed the Steelers to control the game for large stretches. Pittsburgh’s offensive line, which has been shaky throughout the season, was able to keep Washington’s pass rush at bay, while Pickett managed to find key completions to his wide receivers in critical situations. The Commanders failed to generate enough pressure on Pickett, and missed tackles and blown coverages allowed the Steelers to extend drives.
“To put it simply, we didn’t execute,” Quinn admitted after the game. “We didn’t win the little battles. There were missed assignments, missed tackles, and we didn’t make enough plays on third down. We’ve got to do a better job of holding our ground, especially when we’re up against an offense that isn’t necessarily explosive but can capitalize on your mistakes. We need to clean that up moving forward.”
The loss to Pittsburgh was especially disappointing for Washington, given the team’s aspirations of contending for a playoff spot in the NFC. With the defense struggling to find consistency, there have been increasing questions about the team’s ability to make a run in a crowded division that includes the high-flying **Dallas Cowboys** and NFC East-leading **Philadelphia Eagles**.
When asked about the team’s mindset moving forward, Quinn struck a determined tone. “We can’t afford to dwell on this loss. We need to get back to work tomorrow. This team has the potential to be really good, but that potential means nothing if we don’t show up every week and execute. We have to focus on what we can control, get back to the fundamentals, and keep improving.”
Despite the frustration surrounding the team’s defense, Quinn acknowledged that the Commanders’ offense, led by quarterback **Carson Wentz** and a talented group of skill players, had shown promise. But with an inconsistent defense, the burden to win games has largely fallen on the shoulders of the offense, something that Quinn knows won’t be sustainable in the long run.
“Both sides of the ball have to carry their weight,” Quinn said. “We’ve got the pieces, but we need everyone to buy in and elevate their level of play, especially on defense. I believe in these guys. But we can’t keep making these same mistakes.”
As the Commanders head into a pivotal stretch of their season, they will need to quickly bounce back and correct the issues that plagued them in Pittsburgh. With a tough road ahead, the team will rely on their leaders like Davis and Quinn to step up and guide them through adversity. Whether they can put it all together and make a push for a playoff spot remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Quinn is determined to get his defense back on track — starting next week.
For now, the Commanders’ focus will be on self-correction, finding consistency, and giving their best players, like Jamin Davis, the chance to shine in what remains a very competitive NFC.