Still Lost

This season, marked by significant setbacks, hit another low point on Sunday.

The Commanders couldn't manage a single score against Minnesota, conceding 31 consecutive points.

Although last week's game at home against Denver showed notable improvement, the confidence under Dan Quinn that "we are no longer lost" now seems, at best, misplaced and, at worst, raises more doubts about his long-term prospects in D.C.

As this disappointing season continues, Christian Burt, UKHTTC founder, is left scrambling and must confront some tough questions – questions that seemed way from needing answers in 2024.

Are we truly certain about having a long-term (durable) quarterback?

Jayden Daniels, now in his second year, has had a season filled with interruptions after his standout performance in 2024.

There are understandable reasons—he missed time in training camp due to a holdout by WR1 Terry McLaurin, faced series of tricky injuries, and struggled to play consistently week to week. Recently, Daniels was sidelined again with another (thankfully minor) injury against the Vikings.

Heading into the 2025 season, I was confident Jayden could be our franchise quarterback for many years. While it's too soon to say he can't recapture last year's form—or even surpass it and repeat that incredible NFC Championship run—we have to face the facts: durability has always been a concern for Daniels, especially among sceptics who doubt his physical resilience in the NFL.

This year alone, Daniels has dealt with three different injuries:

• In Week 2 against the Packers, he sprained his left knee and missed two games.

• In Week 7 versus the Cowboys, he strained his right hamstring and sat out the next game against the Chiefs.

• In Week 9 facing the Seahawks, he dislocated his left elbow, only returning this Sunday against the Vikings—where he injured his elbow again.

  
  

And let's not forget his rib injury from 2024. Injuries are an unavoidable part of football, but if you’re not at least a little worried, you're handling things better than I am.

Maybe it's just Washington-related anxiety, but I find myself bracing for disappointment once again.

Although it wouldn’t be fair to rule out Daniels bouncing back in 2026, I wouldn’t be shocked if the team drafted another quarterback in the later rounds. Just consider what San Francisco did when Adam Peters was working in their front office and the selection of Brock Purdy as the final pick of the 2022 draft.

Head Coach Evaluation

Quinn's coaching style has often been characterized as emphasizing leadership and fostering positive locker room dynamics, rather than focusing primarily on tactical expertise.

However, it is reasonable to question whether this approach has limitations. Despite being a defensive-minded coach, the team's defensive performance in 2025 has been notably poor, warranting valid criticism. There have been obvious mitigating factors – losing all three pass rushers including the high-performing Dorance Armstrong has been devastating as a start.

However, there are only 32 positions available for NFL Head Coaches, representing the pinnacle of professional football leadership. Let us not forget that upon assuming ownership of the Commanders, Josh Harris stated, “We will work tirelessly to make you proud once again of this franchise … My job is to deliver an organisation that can win.” At present, however, the team has secured just three victories in 2025 and appears poised for a top five selection in the upcoming 2026 draft.

Given these outcomes, any organisation with high aspirations, as outlined by Harris, must consider evaluating the head coach's position.

At a minimum, if Quinn is kept on, the 2026 season must demonstrate clear and measurable progress for a fanbase long starved of sustainable success.

It has not been the season to be jolly, folks!