Dan Quinn was widely projected to become the Dallas Cowboys' head coach at some stage. The Washington Commanders took matters into their own hands, and the improvements were immediate.
Washington's man in charge completely transformed the team's fortunes. The on-field accomplishments need no introduction. However, the atmosphere generated within the locker room was equally, if not more, impressive.
It also enabled the Commanders to turn the tide in their historic rivalry with the Cowboys. The bitter adversaries split the regular-season series, but Washington's remarkable run to the NFC Championship game, as Dallas endured another losing record, flipped the script entirely.
And now, the stars have aligned for Quinn to humiliate his old employers in the most personal way possible.
The Commanders will host Dallas as part of the NFL's Christmas Day triple-header, which will be shown on Netflix at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. Playing on the holidays remains a contentious issue, but the league wants to completely monopolize everything. There is no end to their dominance and ambition, which is reflected by the extraordinary sums being received for broadcasting rights.
This game also comes in Week 17, the penultimate clash of the regular season. If Quinn's squad can secure bragging rights on the Cowboys, it might just be enough to confirm their playoff spot and crush Dallas' dreams of making the postseason, depending on what happens beforehand.
There is a lot of football to be played before any potential ramifications emerge. The Commanders are expected to go deep into the postseason again, although it'll be more difficult upon further examination of their schedule. Dallas is once again being hyped up beyond comprehension. But as every NFL fan knows, they rarely (if ever) meet their lofty billing.
Quinn remains respected by his ex-Cowboys players and holds them in great regard. However, his allegiances have switched. If he gets the chance to demoralize Washington's most storied rival, he won't hesitate.
It's a brutal and important end to the Commanders' season. They host the Philadelphia Eagles and Cowboys before traveling to Lincoln Financial Field for another clash with the defending Super Bowl champions in Week 18. Coming out on the other end smiling will provide the momentum needed for another big effort in the playoffs.
Fans will be relishing the prospect of crushing the Cowboys' aspirations on home soil. But for Quinn, it'll be just another day at the office, albeit on the most special of occasions.
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