Rival coach says he's 'forever indebted' to Commanders' Dan Quinn
MADRID – There are relationships in the NFL and then there are bonds. When it comes to Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins head coaches Dan Quinn and Mike McDaniel, the two are forever bonded in battle but also in brotherhood.
That word, ‘brotherhood,’ has been uttered a lot around the Commanders since Quinn arrived, and on occasion, he’s had the opportunity to prove he’s as much a part of it as he is the leader of it.
"Dan Quinn holds a special place in my heart, in my career,” McDaniel said of the Washington coach. “He was there, ground zero, when I became sober and supported me and believed in me and gave me the opportunity to continue what I love to do. For that, I'll be forever indebted to him.
“It speaks to the type of man he is and the type of leader he is that I know. He touches every player he coaches from a true, authentic standpoint, and I think the Commanders are very fortunate to have him."
Aug 17, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn shake hands after a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
McDaniel has been very public about his alcohol abuse issues of the past and how his recovery has helped him become one of just 32 head coaches in the NFL. Quinn being a central member of that recovery is no surprise given his reputation for caring about the people around him before he cares about their job title.
"And in that space, all I want to do is help and give support and then the real work begins for the person who's in that spot. And that's exactly what Mike did to say, this is what I'm going to work on and how I'm going to go do it. …And I think that takes a lot of guts to do that. And that's one of the reasons I'm real proud of him.”
The respect and love on both sides of this weekend’s matchup are clear, and it’s special. So much so that we’ve actually told this story before, the last time the Commanders and Dolphins faced off, last preseason, but it is one each man speaks about like it's the first time, every time, and a bond worth writing about each time as well.
Usually, asking about old connections in NFL life after that first meeting leads to muted comments, like when Quinn faced the Atlanta Falcons this year, last year, and even before that. Or when he went up against Pete Carroll, whom he’s faced before since the two reached the pinnacle of the game as Super Bowl champions with the Seattle Seahawks.
Talking about McDaniel, however, there’s no watering down of what that relationship means to either man, but it isn’t just personal.
Nov 9, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
“I've known Mike to be an excellent coach,” Quinn also said. “He can process things so quickly, it's no surprise to see that his offense can throw the ball quickest. They can have the fastest motions. That's Mike to a T, where he can just think so quickly on it. …he's one of my favorite coaches.”
The brotherhood is still strong between Quinn and McDaniel, but in Week 11, we’ll see the sibling rivalry more than the brotherly love as each man will look to get the upper hand, the Commanders coach clarifies.
But no matter which side wins and what the winning score is, don’t expect any icy exchanges afterwards.
Alex Anzalone makes exciting claim about Lions' defense during 2025 season
Defensively, the Detroit Lions don't always get the headlines like their offense, but the fact is, the group has been impressive early in the 2025 season.
This year, the Lions haven't had to endure a string of multiple injuries at every level like they did in 2024. There's been ailments, but they've mostly been confined to the secondary. That, along with the emergence of Kelvin Sheppard, has helped the Lions thrive defensively.
Quietly, the Lions might be even better in 2025 than they were in 2024. Statistically, that has shown to be the case, with Detroit racking up 30 sacks and a +6 turnover differential thus far. Overall, they are the No. 7 total defense in the league right now.
Linebacker Alex Anzalone is impressed with what he has seen thus far. When joining Jim Rome, Anzalone was asked if he believed Detroit's defense was better off this season. His answer should be exciting for Lions fans.
"I think so. Some of that's personnel. Who we have back and who is healthy. (Kelvin) Sheppard is a different play caller than (Aaron) Glenn was. He allows us to do a little bit more. Statistically right now, maybe we're better. It's hard to say which one is better. Whether it's we're going to be great at this one coverage and that's what we're going to call, or are we gong to get into different coverage based on different looks? A little bit different flair, but at the same time, a lot of the same principles as we've had in the past."
While the group is certainly different every season, the Lions have been able to stay in games and fare much better against the pass this year in spite of the injuries in the defensive backfield. Combined with their better sack metrics, that could help them be more formidable down the stretch as other players get healthy.
Anzalone praises Dan Campbell's quick decision to call offensive plays
Clearly, Anzalone knows the value of quality play calling and leadership given what he has seen on the defensive side of the ball this season. The Lions have seen that play out offensively, with Campbell assuming play calling duties from John Morton in a sudden change prior to Week 10.
As expected, the Lions have supported the move to a man when asked, and Anzalone is no different even though he is on the other side of the ball. He trusts Campbell implicitly and believes the team is in good shape with him calling plays the rest of the way.
"It's one of those situations where it is what it is. He felt it was right for the team (and) right for the offense. He has the persona of being a meathead and kind of a motivational coach or speaker, but he's really highly intelligent with the x's and o's and he proved it in 2021 when he took over play calling and this last game. I'm excited to have him keep doing it throughout the year."
With a solid defense and an offense that could be set to evolve in the second-half of the season with new leadership, the sky could be the limit for the Lions. Clearly, Anzalone would believe that to be the case.
