MADRID – Things are going to be different for the Washington Commanders this week. Will they be more successful? Well, we’ll have to wait and see.
For starters, the head coach is also now calling the defense after Dan Quinn relieved Joe Whitt Jr. of those duties following the team’s fifth-straight loss in Week 10.
“It’s more in the preparation phase,” where the changes have occurred, Quinn said ahead of Washington facing off against the Miami Dolphins in Week 11. “I’m always involved with the defense, but team meetings and special teams, and those are staying the same, but just in and out of the practices, and it’s been a big collaboration so far,” he continued.
Clearly, there are changes happening and still to come to the defense, but with the head coach taking more onto his plate, how much of an impact will it have on the offensive side of things?
“Not at all, honestly,” quarterback Marcus Mariota said about that topic. “And that’s a credit to him because I think as a head coach now that you’re taking some of those play calling duties over, you would think kind of firsthand that maybe he would, things would be a little different, but it’s been very much the same and it’s a credit to Dan and the defensive staff to allow that to happen and for us as an offense, it’s been status quo and continue to work and build and I think we’re excited to get things going and practice.”
Really, Mariota’s words speak support to Quinn’s assertions that the team’s culture isn’t the problem and that it is very much still intact. And it lends a larger ability to perhaps even see significant changes in the defense because of it, though we’d caution against any hyperbolic thoughts with just under one week to really impact things in Quinn’s newly added role.
We’ve seen several occasions in the past where coaching changes spark increased performances from NFL rosters, even if just for a short period, and that seems to be part of Quinn’s motivation, stating earlier this week that he’s hoping to drum up some more energy and create momentum where none currently exists.
Meanwhile, his offense that scored 22 points with his attention evenly split on game day the last time out, will likely need to exceed at least 25 to have a fighting chance at getting the team’s first win in six tries in Week 11.
San Francisco, CA – Despite swirling trade rumors surrounding his future with the San Francisco 49ers, quarterback Mac Jones has made it clear that he remains fully committed to the team and is focused on helping the 49ers achieve success this season.
Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Jones addressed the growing speculation that he could attract trade interest during the offseason, a topic that has generated significant buzz around the league. “I’m here to win, and I’m 100% focused on this team,” Jones said. “I’m committed to the 49ers, and I’m not worried about the outside noise. My job is to do everything I can to help this team succeed, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
The 49ers acquired Jones in a trade prior to the 2025 season, with hopes that he would provide stability and leadership under center. While Jones has shown flashes of his potential, the 49ers have faced ups and downs this season, leading some to speculate that the team could explore other options at quarterback moving forward.
However, Jones has remained resolute in his commitment to the 49ers, despite reports linking him to possible trade scenarios. “This team has a lot of talent, and we’re all working toward one goal,” Jones continued. “I know there are rumors, but that’s not my focus. My focus is on being the best quarterback I can be for the 49ers and helping this team get back to where we know we can be.”
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has also expressed confidence in Jones, acknowledging that while trade speculation is inevitable, the quarterback’s leadership and work ethic have earned him a spot in the team’s plans. “Mac has been a true professional throughout this entire process,” Shanahan said. “He’s dedicated to the team, and we’re confident in his ability to help us succeed as we move forward.”
With the 49ers still in the playoff hunt, Jones’ commitment to the team could be a key factor in their postseason aspirations. While trade rumors will inevitably continue to surface, the quarterback’s resolve to remain with San Francisco signals that he’s all-in on the 49ers’ future.
“I’m proud to be a part of this organization,” Jones added. “We’ve got a special group of guys here, and I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish together.”
As the season progresses, Jones will continue to battle through the speculation, focusing instead on leading the 49ers to a successful conclusion to their 2025 campaign.