Commanders’ coach Dan Quinn is close to making a Super Bowl comeback eight years following his defeat with the Falcons.

ASHBURN, Va. — Brian Robinson Jr. found himself struggling recently on the field, gaining only a mere 26 yards in his last two games for the Washington Commanders as the regular season wrapped up and the playoffs began.

In an effort to ignite Robinson’s performance, Dan Quinn organized a film review session where he showcased clips of Robinson’s best moments, emphasizing, “This is you. This is who you are.”

Robinson expressed gratitude for Quinn’s support after a strong showing in which he rushed for 77 yards and scored two touchdowns, finally breaking a five-game scoring drought. “It’s the perfect reassurance that any player would want from their head coach,” Robinson noted. “DQ has gained a lot of respect from me through moments like this, allowing me to truly see how much he values my success.”

Quinn has made a significant impact in his inaugural season with Washington, bringing the team to the brink of an NFC championship game against Philadelphia, just one victory away from a potential Super Bowl return—eight years after coaching the Atlanta Falcons in their infamous defeat to New England.

Former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan praised Quinn, stating, “He has the opportunity to lead an organization once more. I believe he’s perfectly suited for that role. He’s grown and adapted, showcasing an aggressive approach, particularly when it comes to leveraging fourth downs and enhancing the team’s offensive strategy with Kliff Kingsbury on board.”

Quinn, despite not being the typical young assistant expected by the Commanders’ ownership during the draft phase, has arguably played a crucial role in positioning the team for success. His hiring of an experienced offensive coordinator and his emphasis on fostering a culture of excellence is something that controlling owner Josh Harris highlighted.

“First and foremost, DQ is a leader of men,” remarked top receiver Terry McLaurin. “Having a coach who encourages individuality within a strong culture is incredibly empowering. He’s allowed us to embrace our vision for what the Commanders should represent this seasonal.”

The Commanders are unexpectedly thriving, with both Peters and Quinn cautious in labeling this as a rebuild. Quinn emphasized his intent to tackle challenges with integrity and consistently earns praise from players for going beyond mere rhetoric.

“He embodies his principles,” safety Jeremy Reaves pointed out. “He is genuine and fully committed to winning, always seeking innovative ways to achieve success, whether through player or staff input. His ego never overshadows our collective goal of winning.”

Ryan reflected positively on Quinn’s previous tenure in Atlanta and highlighted how his old coach has become an even better version of himself with experience. “It’s a valuable lesson that there’s no single approach to being a successful head coach. Understanding yourself and your players is vital, and Dan Quinn exemplifies that better than anyone I’ve encountered.”

Despite the praise, Quinn remains focused on the immediate task at hand, choosing not to dwell on his growth and experiences over the past years, including his role as defensive coordinator in Dallas. “While there’s a desire to prove ourselves, including me, my priority is solely on the Eagles right now,” Quinn insisted. “I’m not in a reflective place yet.”