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New Commanders signing compares locker room energy to legendary NFL dynasty
Deatrich Wise Jr. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders have installed a championship-caliber mentality across the franchise under the current regime. One recent arrival who was part of the league's most dominant dynasty sees the similarities.

Dan Quinn is a personable, no-nonsense coach. He's a genuine leader of men who sets high standards for himself and his players. It's received an immensely positive response, with the Commanders going from a bottom-feeder to the NFC Championship game in Year 1 under his leadership.

Quinn isn't letting standards slip. His coaches are relaying that message to the playing personnel. There have been aggressive, impressive changes once again this offseason, but the common goal remains the same.

Put the hard yards in now, and you'll benefit later.

Deatrich Wise Jr. believes Commanders' culture is destined for greatness

Deatrich Wise Jr. came through the ranks under Bill Belichick during his eight-year stint with the New England Patriots. The defensive end believes the Commanders have created a similar environment to flourish, which focuses heavily on practicing well to ensure they are ready for anything when competitive action arrives.

But also one of the things Bill [Belichick] always said was ‘practice execution becomes game reality.' That's one thing I've always taken to heart. Practice as hard as I can and exactly how I want the game to be. That's what makes great teams great. And I feel like that's the first two things I heard being talked about when I got to the Commanders by Coach [Joe] Whitt [Jr.] [defensive coordinator, and also by Coach DQ [Quinn]. They both was like, ‘We have to be able to practice the same way we want to have happen in the game.' So they're echoing success every single day that we're in that building.Deatrich Wise Jr. via Clutch Points

Belichick's time in New England fizzled out, but they were an unstoppable machine for the most part when he held absolute power. Wise bought in and was rewarded accordingly. The Patriot Way became synonymous with success around the league, so the fact that he sees the same mindset in Washington cannot be anything other than encouraging.

But there's more to Quinn.

He's approachable, which Belichick never was. Quinn knows how to resonate with the modern-day player. That wasn't always the case in New England once quarterback Tom Brady departed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The energy and enthusiasm, with a hint of old-school methods, have been nothing short of a revelation.

Wise was on the backend of that dynasty, winning one Super Bowl. He thinks the Commanders are well-placed for similar good fortunes, and the former Arkansas standout will be striving with everything he has to make a huge impact.

More Commanders news and analysis


This article first appeared on Riggo's Rag and was syndicated with permission.

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