Dan Quinn wasted no time in stamping his mark on the Washington Commanders. The head coach installed schematic concepts, raised standards, and injected new life into the organization throughout early off-season workouts. Initial signs are positive, but nobody is getting ahead of themselves just yet.
Quinn is a personable guy who resonates well with the modern-day player. He's also been around long enough to know when some harsher methods are needed. That's a strong combination to potentially surge the Commanders forward in the not-too-distant future.
Players seem energized by Quinn's cultural reset. Veterans and rookies alike formed a cohesive unit, working together in pursuit of one common goal. Many around the league are starting to look at the Commanders differently and wondering what this franchise might be capable of under the new regime.
With this in mind, here are three Commanders players who are already showing signs of life under Quinn heading into the 2024 season.
Jahan Dotson - Commanders WR
There's a different demeanor about Jahan Dotson this offseason. The wide receiver looks focused and more willing to take on coaching. This is attributed to the improved atmosphere around the Washington Commanders spearheaded by new head coach Dan Quinn.
Dotson's working hard to ensure a potential breakout campaign finally comes to fruition in 2024. It's been a moderate start to his NFL journey, but the Commanders were expecting much better from someone they took at No. 16 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Momentum is building around Dotson. Fans are taking a more cautious approach. After all, the Penn State product was widely tipped to make significant strides last time around before failing to reach these enhanced targets.
Having a strong culture within the building thanks to Quinn and his accomplished coaching staff is benefitting everyone. If rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels becomes an immediate success under center and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury schemes things up effectively, Dotson will reap the rewards.
Jordan Magee - Commanders LB
Adam Peters was widely lauded for his first NFL Draft as general manager. The respected front office figure came into the Washington Commanders with a lofty reputation and vast experience with winning organizations. It didn't take long for the entire infrastructure to become more professional under his guidance.
All the headlines have centered on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and other high-end draft selections such as dynamic cornerback Mike Sainristil. However, an unheralded prospect taken further down the pecking order is already making notable strides thanks to the exceptional guidance of head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
Jordan Magee was taken at No. 139 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The athletic linebacker came with hopes of being a development prospect who could potentially assist on the rotation and special teams during his first season with the franchise. These ambitions have risen thanks to an outstanding integration into a professional setup over early off-season workouts.
Quinn and Whitt have gushed in their praise of Magee throughout OTAs and Washington's mandatory minicamp. There's no chance the former Temple star will unseat high-profile veteran signings Bobby Wagner or Frankie Luvu for a starting spot during the 2024 campaign. However, occupying a key rotational role and gaining reps on special packages seems well within his capabilities based on initial impressions.
Anything the Commanders get from Magee in 2024 is a bonus. This was a pick made with the long-term in mind. At the same time, there's a growing sense that the franchise might have a draft gem on its hands if the same trend continues in the weeks and months ahead.
This is a positive first step for Magee, but no more than that. Fortunately, Quinn's previous experience with nurturing defensive players and turning them into standouts in their respective roles means he's in the best possible hands to grow further.
Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT
It's no secret that Jonathan Allen became highly disillusioned during Ron Rivera's final season as head coach. The veteran defensive tackle's frustrations came to the fore constantly. He became sick and tired of this team promising much but delivering little. There were rumors aplenty about a trade away from the Washington Commanders as a result.
Allen is a different guy these days. The former first-round selection looks energized and excited about the franchise's direction under new head coach Dan Quinn. His smile's returned and he's looking to set the tone for others to follow. This is more in keeping with the high character influence he's displayed throughout his time in the nation's capital.
Quinn deserved praise for galvanizing Allen at a time when parting ways seemed like a realistic possibility. Those in power reaffirmed their belief in his capabilities despite a down year in 2023. They want him to remain part of their long-term plans and spearhead this exciting regime on the defensive side.
That's all Allen wanted. He wanted the Commanders to show ambition rather than just going through the motions. He wants this team to get back to their rightful place among the postseason challengers. After a frantic offseason of change, the Alabama product is suitably impressed.
This can make a huge difference for the Commanders. However, it doesn't detract from the pivotal season awaiting Allen in 2024.
He's got no guaranteed money on his deal, which expires in 2026. Allen needs to perform better and return to his alpha-like status within the locker room. Anything less could see the Commanders become more receptive to trade offers next spring.
Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. have a plan in place to get Allen firing on all cylinders next time around. They're bringing a positive reaction from the player based on early indications.
Hopefully, this is a trend that progresses long into the future.
