Dan Quinn Declares: "Every Defeat Is a Step Forward to Make Us Stronger!"
In a season full of ups and downs, Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn remains unwavering in his belief that adversity only strengthens a team. After a series of difficult losses, Quinn addressed his team, making it clear that their journey is far from over. “No matter the challenges or defeats, the fighting spirit of this team will never falter. Every setback is not the end; it’s an opportunity for us to learn and grow. Losses are not just painful memories; they are valuable lessons that help us reassess ourselves, refine every detail, and come out stronger,” Quinn emphasized.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Quinn’s message reflects the core values of resilience and determination that he has instilled in his players. Rather than viewing failure as a final destination, he encourages his team to see it as a stepping stone for improvement. "We don’t just stand firm in the face of defeat; we continue to move forward, believing that every small step, every setback, brings us closer to our ultimate goal," Quinn explained.
This mentality is crucial for the Commanders, especially in a season where the competition is fierce and every game feels like a challenge. But Quinn believes that with this mindset, the team can overcome anything. "We understand that success doesn’t come easily, but it’s the difficult times that shape us into the champions we aspire to be," he added.
A Team Built on Learning and Growth
The approach Quinn has taken with the Commanders is not just about physical preparation; it’s about mental toughness. He believes that each loss teaches a valuable lesson that contributes to the growth of the team as a whole. "Our ability to bounce back, to learn from each experience, is what will set us apart in the long run," Quinn said.
This mentality has resonated deeply with the players. Quarterback Carson Wentz noted, “Coach Quinn’s words remind us that we’re in this together. Each defeat is just a chance to come back stronger. We’re building something bigger than just a few wins—it’s about how we grow as a team.”
Looking Ahead: The Road to Redemption
As the Commanders look to finish strong this season, Quinn’s leadership and vision will be crucial. The road to success won’t be easy, but with a focus on growth and the belief that every challenge is an opportunity, the Commanders are poised to rise above.
“We’re not just looking to get through the season; we’re looking to come out of it better than when we started,” Quinn said. "Every loss, every tough moment, it’s all part of the process. We’ll keep learning, keep pushing, and we will get better.”
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With this mindset, the Commanders have the tools to turn their season around. Dan Quinn’s leadership and belief in his team are the driving forces behind their resolve to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. Each defeat is now viewed as an opportunity for growth, making the team stronger with every passing game.
Giants Provide Injury Update on Long-Lost Summer Addition
You might not remember Rico Payton, but he is on the verge of helping the New York Giants‘ secondary get healthier.
The Giants opened Payton’s 21-day return window from injured reserve Wednesday so the second-year cornerback can make his way back from hamstring injury.
Payton was claimed off waivers in late August after he was released by the New Orleans Saints in their final cuts. An undrafted free agent, Payton had 11 tackles and one pass defended in 16 games for the Saints last year.
Payton, who will turn 26 on Nov. 28, played college football at Southern Illinois, where he transferred after starting his career at Division II Pittsburg State. The Giants must activate Payton in the next three games or place him on season-ending injured reserve.
New York (2-6) will host the first-place San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
The Giants Defensive Secondary Has Been Decimated By Injuries
Cor’Dale Flott and Paulson Adebo are likely to miss the 49ers game, since Flott sustained a concussion in the Giants’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and Adebo is week to week with a sprained MCL in his knee.
So healthy bodies are necessary, especially with backup cornerback and special teamer Art Green also dealing with a hamstring injury. The injuries forced the Giants to make a roster move, claiming Jarrick Bernard-Converse off waivers from the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday.
Even with Adebo and Flott healthy, plus 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks playing extra reps, the Giants rank 24th in the NFL in pass defense. They have allowed 400-plus yards in total offense in four of their eight games this season.
Payton may not return in time to take on the 49ers, though the Giants could use him especially since they are the No. 2 ranked pass offense in the NFL — and New York still has a date with the Dallas Cowboys later this year, since they are the top-ranked passing offense.
Rico Payton Mostly Played Special Teams For The Saints
Giants fans may be chomping at the bit to see anyone except Banks playing corner, since he is ranked 107th out of 113 cornerbacks on Pro-Football Focus this season.
But the Giants don’t want just anyone playing cornerback for them, since even replacement-level players, like how Banks has played this season, can still play.
But the Giants have a few options still. Nickelbacks Dru Phillips and Nic Jones have been healthy and could play outside, plus Green is likely to jump into a starting-cornerback spot opposite Banks.
If Green or Banks get injured, or falter, Bernard-Converse earned a 63.4 grade from PFF this year, which means he can step in even if Flott and Adebo are out long term — which is possible, since Adebo is being called week to week.
But Payton only played 21 defensive snaps at cornerback in 2024, and he did not play a defensive snap over New Orleans’ final eight games.
Still, Payton could be a useful special-teams player when the Giants activate him from injured reserve. He played 57 percent of the Saints’ special-teams snaps in 2024, and the injuries have caused the Giants to pull players off specials to the defense.
