The veteran wants this to be a teaching moment.
Momentum was high within the Washington Commanders heading into their Week 6 road showdown with the Baltimore Ravens. While they couldn't overcome the odds en route to defeat, one could make a case for there being far more positives than negatives.
Sure, the defense was abysmal, but the Commanders aren't going to see anything like the tandem of two-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and future Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Derrick Henry again. Their offense executed the game plan well despite having no ground game to call upon without Brian Robinson Jr. Jayden Daniels looks like a star, proving no moment is too big with another outstanding showcase of his credentials.
Even when the chips were down, the Commanders remained resolute and fought until the end. That's arguably the biggest plus above all else when one considers how this group folded in similar scenarios last season. Instead of focusing on the negative overall result, this should be a teaching moment for the coaching staff.
Commanders LB Bobby Wagner calls for collective accountability after Week 6 loss
The Commanders are way ahead of schedule. They're also far away from legitimately entering the Super Bowl discussion. Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner wasn't too disheartened despite the defeat. The perennial All-Pro believes the accountability and character within the building can ensure Washington eradicates the errors that cost them dearly at M&T Bank Stadium. After that, everything else should take care of itself.
"Honestly, it took games like this, where you kind of hurt yourself a little bit – whether it’s penalties, whether it’s miscommunication [or] things of that nature. You go back, you hold yourself accountable …and everyone gets back to the drawing board. Don’t hold your head down and just grow, and if every player can grow, it’s going to make us that much better. I feel that we [have] those guys."
- Bobby Wagner via X
This is one of the things Dan Quinn's preached since becoming head coach. He wanted his group to be accountable, fundamentally sound, and become a close-knit unit all working in unison towards one common goal. That's what builds a culture - something the Commanders haven't legitimately had for two decades.
Wagner knows a thing or two about being part of winning organizations. He's got a Super Bowl ring and is widely regarded as one of the best linebackers of the modern era. He was brought in to provide veteran leadership and help this downtrodden organization on the right path to prosperity. One defeat doesn't undo all the good work achieved by Washington throughout the 2024 campaign so far.
Quinn was quick to downplay the significance of this game regardless of the result beforehand. It was a bigger occasion than most, but it's just one contest out of 17 when push comes to shove. Keeping the bigger picture in mind, learning from mistakes, and taking things step by step in pursuit of progression remain the objectives.
There are no moral victories in the NFL. The Commanders were far from despondent following the defeat versus arguably the best team in football right now. This inner confidence and collective purpose are exactly what's required moving forward.
