The Washington Commanders suffered a heartbreaking 34-26 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, extending their losing streak to three games. After a wild finish to the divisional matchup, head coach Dan Quinn and several Commanders players addressed the media, reflecting on what went wrong and where the team goes from here.
Dan Quinn on the Challenge and Lessons Learned
Quinn opened by calling this game one of the toughest tests his team has faced this season.
“This is the most challenged we’ve been in our time together. I reminded them, it’s not enough to learn the lessons, but we have to apply them,” Quinn said. “It’s never about one play… execution falls on all of us—players and coaches.”
Quinn emphasized the chaotic nature of the game, particularly the special teams plays that swung momentum throughout the contest.
“What a wild special teams moment: blocked punts, blocked kicks, kickoff returns,” he said. “In a division game, these battles can be unpredictable.”
Quinn also stood by his decision-making, such as kicking the extra point after Terry McLaurin’s late touchdown instead of going for two.
“I thought, ‘Let’s get back into it.’ We didn’t need to decide it on that play.”
Jayden Daniels: Execution Issues Cost Us
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels pointed to poor execution as the primary issue behind the loss.
“It never comes down to just one play. There are plays throughout the game where little things add up to big things,” Daniels said.
He also noted that opposing defenses have adjusted to Washington’s offense in recent weeks.
“We’ve been in third-and-long a lot these past couple games… that’s where you get into the exotic pressures,” he explained. “We’ve got to be better on first and second downs to stay ahead of the chains.”
Daniels maintained his composure, focusing on staying even-keeled despite the team’s struggles.
“You don’t ride the roller coaster. You stay even-keeled throughout it all.”
Terry McLaurin: “This One Sucks”
Star wideout Terry McLaurin expressed frustration with the team’s inability to play complementary football.
“When you’re playing division games, it’s going to come down to the four quarters. We knew that going into the game,” McLaurin said. “We have to find a way to start faster and stay in the drives.”
Reflecting on his 86-yard touchdown late in the game, McLaurin said he hoped to give the team a chance but emphasized that the loss was about more than one play.
“It doesn’t come down to one play or one kick. We had our opportunities to take control of the game, and we didn’t.”
Austin Seibert Takes Responsibility
Kicker Austin Seibert owned up to his mistakes, including the missed extra point that would have tied the game.
“It didn’t make a difference at all. It’s on me,” Seibert said, bluntly addressing the low snap.
He also took responsibility for the onside kick that was returned for a touchdown by the Cowboys.
“I should’ve hit it a little more left… That falls on me too.”
Moving Forward
Quinn reiterated his belief in the team’s resilience and their ability to bounce back despite the challenges.
“I love that we’re never out of the fight, but I do want to make sure it doesn’t have to go to that space,” Quinn said. “We’re battle-tested, but we need to learn how to close games.”
The Commanders now face the daunting task of addressing their offensive struggles and shoring up their special teams as they try to snap their losing streak. For a team built on pride and resilience, they’ll need those traits now more than ever.
