Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn announced he is assuming defensive coordinator duties amid the team's 3-7 start and a 44-22 loss to the Detroit Lions. The change comes after defensive issues, including an ejection and suspension for Daron Payne. Quinn cited the need for adjustments to improve the struggling unit.
The Washington Commanders' season has unraveled with five straight losses, leaving them at 3-7 after a 44-22 defeat to the Detroit Lions in Week 10. Detroit amassed 546 yards and did not punt once, exposing Washington's defensive woes. The Commanders have been outscored 179-89 during the skid and allowed 154 points over their last four games. They became the first team since the 2002 Cardinals to lose four consecutive games by at least 21 points and the only squad since 1963 with back-to-back games without a sack while yielding at least 8 yards per play.
Frustration peaked in the Lions game when defensive lineman Daron Payne was ejected in the second quarter for punching wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown after Detroit's third touchdown. Payne received a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct, which he can appeal; he is set to miss Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, Spain, if upheld. St. Brown described a post-play scrum earlier and saying something to Payne post-touchdown: "We end up scoring, and I go up to him. I say a little something—nothing crazy—and he decides to swing on me. It is what it is."
Teammate Javon Kinlaw offered a differing view, claiming St. Brown threw the first punch after a tackle by Quan Martin: "Daron only retaliated because the refs literally saw the first punch... I don’t blame him for the way he reacted."
In response, Quinn is taking over play-calling from coordinator Joe Whitt, who will move to the booth. "When something's not working, we shift from the question of why isn't it working to what do we need to do to get it right," Quinn said. "I'll take over the role as the defensive coordinator and all that entails. Joe's been my right hand man for years and took the news like a pro he is."
Injuries have hampered the unit, with Deatrich Wise Jr., Dorance Armstrong Jr., Will Harris, and Marshon Lattimore sidelined long-term.