Commanders Dan Quinn Reveals Locker Room Vibe After Clinching Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Dec 30, 2024 1:00 PM ET

The Washington Commanders are playoff-bound after a 30-24 overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons at Northwest Stadium.

In Dan Quinn's first year as head coach, along with Jayden Daniels in Year 1, the Commanders are now 11-5, which is the first time since 1991 that Washington has managed 11 regular-season wins.

It now marks a significant milestone in the Commanders' want to be relevant in the NFL again, and with Daniels being a menace through the air 227 yards, three touchdowns, one interception) and on the ground (127 yards) against Atlanta, Washington could make some noise in the postseason.

For Quinn, he revealed what it was like in the locker room after such a gratifying win in front of the home fans.

“It was cool, the guys were gassed, they emptied the tank,” Quinn said. “There was a lot of joy, honestly, I really thought this was a real demonstration of their connection. It got hard, it got behind and over the last couple weeks, there’s been moments like that. They’ll enjoy this win, it was hard-fought.”

Quinn has preached all season that his team won't ride the emotional rollercoaster, but it will be hard to keep the emotions in check after such a win that was hanging in the balance.

Daniels showed that he is every bit the quarterback this franchise has been searching for, orchestrating a 14-play, 75-yard touchdown drive in overtime as he accounted for 54 yards by himself (42 rushing, 32 passing) while going five for five, including Zach Ertz touchdown to seal the win.

The new regime has gotten off to a very bright start, but the Commanders aren't done yet, they've got playoff football in a few weeks and now that they are in the tournament, who knows how far Daniels can take them.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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