Dallas Cowboys’ All-Pro Micah Parsons has some advice for the Washington Commanders and their new head coach Dan Quinn. Parsons, known for making life difficult for the Commanders, shared his thoughts at the 2024 Pro Bowl. He expressed his hope that the players on the Commanders’ team would buy into Quinn’s coaching style and play with extreme effort. Parsons emphasized that no one would love and care for the players more than Quinn, and he urged them to appreciate his presence and greatness.
Parsons has firsthand experience of Quinn’s coaching abilities. During their time together, Parsons blossomed into an elite player, earning the 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and two first-team All-Pro selections. Quinn utilized Parsons as the focal point of a versatile and dynamic pass rush that wreaked havoc on opposing offenses.
While the Commanders may not have a player of Parsons’ caliber, they can still benefit from Quinn’s defensive expertise. The team finished last in points and yards allowed this season, making Quinn’s arrival an exciting prospect for improving their defense. However, not everyone shares Parsons’ enthusiasm for Quinn’s appointment as head coach.
For those doubting Quinn’s suitability for the role, they should consider Parsons’ success under his guidance. Parsons transformed into a versatile pass-rusher who opponents had to gameplan for. Quinn utilized Parsons’ skills by moving him around the defensive front and allowing him to attack in various ways. This included running twists inside from the edge and blitzing from the inside across the center’s face.
Quinn’s pedigree as a defensive coach is undeniable, but as a head coach, he faces pressure to prove himself. Nonetheless, Parsons’ endorsement of Quinn’s coaching abilities should not be taken lightly. His success under Quinn’s tutelage speaks volumes about the impact the new head coach can have on the Commanders’ defense.
In a stunning display of creativity, Quinn has shown how he can maximize the big-play potential of his star athlete. This principle also applies to the lesser-known pass-rushers on the Cowboys’ roster, such as Osa Odighizuwa and Dorance Armstrong Jr. The Commanders should definitely pursue Armstrong Jr. in free agency, as he has proven to be a versatile defensive end.
Quinn’s ability to get the most out of his players will be crucial in turning the struggling Commanders into a winning team. He has previously achieved this with the Atlanta Falcons, although his infamous collapse in the 2017 Super Bowl against the New England Patriots still haunts him. Additionally, his Cowboys defense allowing 40-plus points to the Green Bay Packers in this season’s playoffs raises concerns about his coaching abilities.
Critics of Quinn’s appointment, including Dan Patrick, have voiced their doubts about his uninspiring hiring. Patrick even questioned the decision to choose a defensive coordinator as the Head Coach, especially when the team plans to draft a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft. However, it is worth noting that the 2023 season demonstrated the success of a defensive-minded head coach, as DeMeco Ryans led the Houston Texans to the playoffs with rookie QB C.J. Stroud.
Ryans’ success can be attributed to the strong structure he built around Stroud, including an imaginative offensive coordinator and an improved defense. Quinn has the potential to replicate this success if the Commanders draft either Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. With Quinn leading the defense, the pressure on a rookie quarterback would be alleviated, while a dynamic offensive coordinator, potentially from Brock Purdy’s coaching staff with the 49ers, would ensure a smooth transition to the professional level.
In conclusion, Quinn’s defensive background should not be seen as a hindrance to the Commanders’ next quarterback. With the right support system in place, Quinn’s expertise on defense could actually benefit the team and help them succeed.
