Dan Quinn knows this is his biggest game so far this season.
Quinn took over a heavily bleeding program, finishing 4-13 in 2023, dropping out often and not being competitive.
His first-year Commanders are 7-3 and have been a major surprise in the NFL this season. Still, he doesn't want them to think this Thursday night game in Philadelphia is beyond their reach. He wants them to feel the weight of it and enjoy the opportunity.
“Yes, I want us to feel comfortable in these environments. That's the only reason. I want us to enjoy the build-up and know that the process of preparation is like any other.”
Again, the end result is not about doing everything you can to win a game, but rather about designing the process to do your best to improve. Here too, Quinn is really process-oriented.
“So I wouldn’t say I treat it any differently. I would say the process in which we prepare for the game will be exactly the same for this game, for the next game and the one after that.”
“I just want them to know in those big moments and big games that guys like Jayden are really at their best there. In these crucial moments and these big games that still lie ahead. And I want us to feel very comfortable in this place.”
Quinn doesn't want his teams to get overconfident, but he also doesn't want them to neglect these opportunities.
“I would rather embrace it than shy away from it, but it has no other process. I want to make sure I’m clear on this with you.”
Process, process, process.
