The Washington Commanders’ struggles continued Sunday with a 44-22 defeat to the Detroit Lions, dropping them to 3-7 on the season and extending their losing streak to five games. It’s a steep fall for a team that reached the NFC Championship just last year with 12 wins.
While injuries have certainly played a role in Washington’s slump, they don’t tell the whole story. Several roster decisions haven’t panned out, and some returning players have failed to match last season’s performance — putting extra pressure on Dan Quinn and his coaching staff.
Frustration appeared to boil over during Sunday’s matchup when defensive tackle Daron Payne was ejected for punching Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Moments later, teammate Javon Kinlaw was flagged for making contact with an official after appearing to defend Payne. Kinlaw later claimed St. Brown instigated the altercation.
It marked the first visible sign of tension under Quinn’s leadership — a surprising development considering his emphasis on unity and culture. Throughout the season, Quinn has repeatedly stressed the team’s “brotherhood” as a foundation to overcome adversity.
When asked if he was concerned about the locker room fracturing under the pressure, Quinn remained confident.
“No, I worry about the emotion of it, but not the fracture,” Quinn said. “They’re tight and connected. Everyone’s frustrated, but that’s part of it. We just need to refocus, figure out what we can do better, and move forward.”
Quinn noted that frustration among players and coaches is natural during a rough stretch but said he believes the group’s bond remains intact. He hinted that a team trip — possibly to Spain — could help the Commanders regroup and reset their mindset.
With the playoffs now looking out of reach and seven games left in a tough NFC, Quinn and his players are trying to rediscover the chemistry that once fueled their success. Despite the disappointment, the head coach remains optimistic that the Commanders’ unity will carry them through the storm.
