After such a big win over the Chicago Bears in Week 8, there was always a chance of an emotional letdown for the Washington Commanders coming up against the New York Giants.
But much to the delight of head coach Dan Quinn, there wasn't.
The Commanders were business-like in their 27-22 win over the Giants at MetLife Stadium with the team now moving to 7-2 on the year and in a commanding position in the NFC East.
For Quinn, after such an emotional high last week with Jayden Daniels' Hail Mary completion, to then back it up in a division game was pleasing.
“After a big win last week, I thought the guys did a good job of filling the tanks back up,” Quinn said. “We acknowledged it, was a historic win for us [vs. Bears], at home within the fashion it went and how do you recognize it, but then also fill the tanks back up knowing you're heading back into a division game. I thought it showed a lot of maturity from the team and poise to say okay, that was cool. Now we got to get right back into the next process, and they did a good job of that.”
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
It might seem trivial, but for the Commanders to not only acknowledge the win against the Bears for what it was but to then move on and take care of a divisional opponent shows the kind of growth that Quinn and the coaching staff are looking for.
Now, will it be like that all the time? No, but it is an important step in Washington's journey to becoming the team it wants to be.
Speaking of steps ... Tuesday is NFL trade deadline day. Rumors are everywhere that Washington is eyeballing help in two areas: Cornerback for certain, and maybe receiver as well. If a young team should ever be in go-for-it mode ... this is it, right?
It has been a fast start for the Commanders under the new regime with Quinn and Adam Peters, and while things are going well right now, there will be bumps in the road.
But with their newfound mentality, we imagine that whatever is thrown at Washignton in 2024, it appears to be more than capable of handling.
