Commanders’ Dan Quinn explains critical fourth-down call in Week 11 loss to Eagles and defends ‘bold decision’

The Washington Commanders fell to 7-4 on the season and remain in second place in the NFC East after a 26-18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night to open Week 11.

One of the crucial moments in the Washington Commanders’ loss came with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter with the Eagles up 12-10. It was at that point where the Commanders faced a fourth-and-2 situation at the Philadelphia 26-yard line. Instead of opting for the field goal to take the lead, head coach Dan Quinn left his offense on the field.

The fourth down play was botched from the snap when the ball was thrown, and Jayden Daniels barely managed to catch it before having to roll to his right. The rookie quarterback didn’t travel far, as the Eagles defense quickly took him down to turn the ball over on plays.

After that, the floodgates opened in Philadelphia’s favor. The offense went 74 yards in five plays before Saquon Barkley’s 23-yard touchdown run extended the lead. Following an interception by Daniels on the first play of Washington’s next possession, Barkley again made a big run, going 39 yards for his second score of the night, which also put the Commanders away.

When asked after the game why he chose to keep his offense on the field instead of taking the lead at that point, Quinn admitted it was a “bold” decision, but illustrated that the team was prepared to take some shots in moments. critics. on the road against a divisional opponent.

“A bold decision, but I would also say we were prepared for that moment,” Quinn said. “I don’t love the execution, but we’ve been a great fourth-down team, so going into it, we knew we’d have to shoot against a tough division team on the road. We thought it was an appropriate choice. “I certainly don’t like the execution. execution and the outcome, but we were prepared for it and we were bold in those moments, knowing we would have some fourth downs that we can fix.”

Wide receiver Terry McLaurin echoed that sentiment, telling reporters after the game: “We’ve been doing it all season. We’re aggressive.”

At 7-4, the Commanders are still in a solid position to make the playoffs and still in the thick of the NFC East race. While they lost the head-to-head matchup with Philadelphia, you’ll see them again in Week 16. Immediately, Washington will enter its mini bye week and prepare for a Week 12 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys at home. .