The Washington Commanders couldn't hold a late lead Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 28-27 loss offers first-year coach Dan Quinn a chance to see how his club responds to adversity.
"So, this was a hard loss, no doubt about it," Quinn said Monday, via the team's official transcript. "And the response is what was so important. So, what I saw on the field last night, towards the end in the locker room of guys talking to one another, they were mad. And that's what I honestly wanted to see on these missed opportunities to say, 'How do we make sure that doesn't happen again?' "
Washington earned a 10-point third-quarter lead and held an advantage until Russell Wilson's deep shot to Mike Williams put Pittsburgh up one point. Jayden Daniels and the offense spun its wheels late, could not extend the lead, and came up short on fourth down on the final drive. The Commanders generated just two fourth-quarter first downs while allowing Pittsburgh to generate 144 net yards in the frame.
Then, with a chance to get the ball back one final time, rookie defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton jumped offsides, giving Pittsburgh a free first down on fourth-and-1.
The loss dropped Quinn's crew to 7-3, a half-game behind the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East ahead of Thursday night's showdown in Philly.
Quinn said the short week should help his club get over the disappointing loss.
"Yeah, I think they're responding," he said. "That's the important part. And so, seeing that part begin already. Last night, I thought that was a good sign to know that, yeah, they're mad and this game getting here this week can't get here quick enough. So, every once in a while, that short week's not such a bad thing. We'll be on a plane here and by Wednesday and get to go battle again in a really tough, good environment against an excellent team. So, that'll get your attention and response awful quick."
Through 10 weeks, Quinn's club has dispelled the demons of previous administrations. Sunday's disappointment and Thursday's quick turnaround provides the Commanders another chance to show they've buried the past.
