Commanders insider delivers the obvious truth as pressure crushes Joe Whitt

"Dan Quinn taking over the defensive play-calling against the Miami Dolphins brought some improvement. However, it wasn't enough to mask the costly errors elsewhere as the Washington Commanders suffered their eighth defeat of a disastrous campaign. That's not going to alter Quinn's mindset moving forward. His subtle tweaks seemed to have the desired effect, and that should only enhance further when everyone comes back refreshed after the bye week. Simply put, it does not bode well for the future of defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr."

"Whitt saw his demotion coming. He's also experienced enough to see how much the defense responded to Quinn, although the Dolphins wouldn't be classed as formidable opposition by any stretch. The coaches have a close connection from their time on the Dallas Cowboys, so he was never going to be removed in-season. But that might not be the case once Washington's obligations in 2025 conclude."

""Since [Joe] Whitt took over at the start of last season, Washington's defense ranks 23rd in points allowed per game (24.5) and 25th in yards allowed per game (350.5). Whitt worked under [Dan] Quinn as a passing game coordinator in Dallas, so both said they were comfortable in this situation. However, it'll be interesting to see what happens after the season. Quinn has preferred others holding the playcalling roles. "We'll worry about that down the road," Whitt said of his future.""

Dan Quinn assumed defensive play-calling duties and produced measurable improvement against the Miami Dolphins, but offensive and other costly errors still resulted in the Commanders' eighth loss. Quinn remains focused on the process and expects further gains when players return refreshed after the bye week. Joe Whitt Jr. anticipated the demotion and recognized the defense's response to Quinn, though the Dolphins were not elite opposition. Whitt and Quinn share coaching ties from Dallas, reducing the likelihood of an in-season firing, but Whitt's long-term status with Washington could change after 2025. Whitt retains a reputation as an exceptional teacher.

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