Washington Commanders veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner opened up about head coach Dan Quinn’s decision to assume the defensive coordinator position from Joe Whitt Jr on Wednesday in Madrid, Spain.
“I think whenever you have a move like that, it means the players are not executing at the level that they need to be. We have to do better, and we have to perform better.”
Washington has been outscored 154-16 since Week 7 and has lost four consecutive games by 20+ points. The Commanders’ 44-22 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday was the final nail in the coffin for Whitt Jr. as defensive coordinator, leading Quinn to make a change on Monday.
Now, the Commanders are seemingly in a must-win game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday morning in Madrid, as they are on the verge of losing their sixth consecutive game and falling to 3-8 on the season.
However, Wagner believes that regardless of who is calling the plays, the change first needs to begin with the players in the locker room.
“We have to execute better. It doesn’t matter the play calls; we as players have to take ownership of being out there on the field,” Wagner said. The coaches aren’t out there on the field, so we have to execute better regardless of who is calling the defense.
Wagner leads the Commanders in tackles (99) and has recorded two sacks, an interception, and a pass deflection in his first season with Washington. He has recorded 32 more tackles than safety Quan Martin, who has tallied the second most tackles on the team.
Luckily for Washington, Miami has also struggled this season, posting a 3-7 record; however, it dismantled the Buffalo Bills 30-13 on Sunday in Florida and has now won two of its last three games after starting 1-6.
Charlotte, NC – Nov 13, 2025
What should have been a heartwarming moment for a young Panthers fan quickly spiraled into a viral controversy during Sunday night’s game against the Miami Dolphins. The father of a young boy, celebrating his birthday, caught a home run ball, a rare moment of joy that should have been a lifelong memory. However, things took a turn for the worse when a gray-haired woman from the row behind them stormed up, demanding the ball for herself.
A Priceless Moment Turned Sour
The father, eager to share the special moment with his son, placed the ball into the boy’s glove, sparking cheers and excitement from those around them. But the scene quickly soured when the woman insisted that the ball belonged to her seat, shouting directly in the father’s ear.
“It’s my ball!” she yelled, making it clear she wasn’t leaving without it. The situation escalated quickly, with the father visibly uncomfortable but trying to avoid confrontation in front of his children. Reluctantly, he handed over the ball to the woman, much to the dismay of nearby fans, who responded with boos.
The Boy Speaks Out
The disappointed boy, Lincoln, spoke out later about the incident, explaining how he felt about the situation: “I wasn’t very happy that we had to give it to her, but we can’t win.” His words quickly resonated with the public, and the viral video sparked fierce debate about the entitlement of some fans and the lack of sportsmanship.
Harrison Bader Steps In
The Panthers organization responded swiftly, with wide receiver Harrison Bader meeting the boy after the game. Bader presented Lincoln with a signed football and other memorabilia, hoping to soften the blow and restore the joy of his birthday. While the gesture was appreciated, many fans still felt that the original moment had been unfairly stolen from the young fan.
Xavier Legette Weighs In
As the story continued to unfold, it was revealed that Lincoln is actually the nephew of Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette. Legette, known for his fierce dedication on the field, didn’t hold back when asked about the viral incident.
“It’s infuriating to see an adult yelling at a kid and taking his ball—especially on his birthday,” Legette said. “That was my nephew. In Charlotte, we stand up for our kids, we protect them, and we make sure their joy always comes first.”
Legette’s words quickly struck a chord with both Panthers and football fans, with supporters rallying around the idea that protecting children’s happiness should always take precedence over a petty argument.
A Lesson in Sportsmanship
For many, the incident served as a powerful lesson about sportsmanship, the importance of respecting others’ moments, and the idea that some things—like a child’s happiness—are more important than winning a petty dispute over a ball.
As the video continues to spread across social media, it’s become clear that this is no longer just about a home run ball. It’s about a larger conversation regarding how we treat others, especially in a city that prides itself on loyalty, compassion, and standing up for what’s right.