Numbers prove Quinn will make the defense better

The Washington Commanders have nowhere to go but up. Washington finished 4-13 last season and made significant changes this season, starting with new general manager Adam Peters.

Peters’ first mission was to find a head coach. Peters and owner Josh Harris selected Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. The Commanders then used free agency to turn around the roster, signing more than two dozen outside free agents, followed by nine selections in the 2024 NFL draft and 11 undrafted free agents.

Washington struggled last season with former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Quarterback Sam Howell’s once promising season went wrong in the second half of the season. But Washington’s biggest problem was the NFL’s worst defense.

The Commanders were terrible against the run and the pass last season and couldn’t force turnovers or get to the quarterback. The previous defense staff looked over their heads. Remember, Washington’s defense was said to be one of the best in the NFL last season.

Not only was the entire defensive unit terrible, but individual players also took steps back. Pro Bowl defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne didn’t have their best seasons. Cornerback Benjamin St-Juste regressed after showing promise in his second season. Rookie Emmanuel Forbes didn’t look like he belonged in the NFL.

Coaching is important.

In Quinn, Washington hired a coach who will immediately improve the defense.

The Cowboys struggled on defense before Quinn took over in 2021. In three seasons in Dallas, Quinn’s defense ranked in the top five in FTN’s total defensive DVOA each year.

Check out the following tweet from Warren Sharp, comparing Dallas’ defense under Dan Quinn to Washington’s defense during the same time period.

Dan Quinn was the Cowboys DC for the past three years and is now the Commanders HC

in Dallas ranked his DEF:

#1 in INTs (59)
#2 in forced fumbles (49)
#2 in takeaways (93)
#1 in final TDs (15)
#1 in EPA takeaway (394)

during that time the DEF commanders ranked:

#30 in INTs (28)
#32…

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 7, 2024

Under new general manager Adam Peters, the Commanders have added several defensemen this season, including a dramatic upgrade to the linebacker corps with the additions of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu.

Quinn’s defense focuses heavily on pockets and takeaways – areas where commanders have struggled. If he doesn’t have a dominant pass rusher, Quinn will find ways to create pressure, such as using Luvu or Jamin Davis more in pass rush situations.

Joe Whitt Jr. is Washington’s defensive coordinator. In recent years, Whitt has done wonders for several young Dallas defensive backs. The commanders hope he can work the same magic with Forbes, St-Juste and others.

Either way, Washington will be much better defensively in 2024.