After you look at the score of the Commanders’ game, what is the statistic you think is usually the most important?
On Monday, head coach Dan Quinn discussed the statistics he examines after every game.
Quinn was asked about the Commanders’ running game being ineffective against the Bucs’ run defense. Washington never gave up on the run, but in the game, they gained only 82 yards in 33 rushing attempts, which is good for only 2.48 yards a carry.
“I look at a lot, turnover margin is my number one that I look at, A1 top of the pile,” replied Quinn.
Quinn then volunteered the other key stats that got his attention.
“I also look at the tackling and broke tackle margins, because a lot of explosives come off of those. Whether we are creating them offensively or even on the return game. I think JC (Jamison Crowder) may have had three tackles broken on a 17-yard return. So those all factor in. I am not oblivious to the stats. I want them to be strong and solid in every way.”
As head coach, he doesn’t minimize statistics, but he said he does place some statistics over others, saying he does have his pile he emphasizes.
Always good to see Bobby Wagner being successful in big moments. Miss him on the Seahawks. pic.twitter.com/uKrVwwJszj
— Sami ON Tap (@SamiOnTap) January 13, 2025
Well, there was only a single turnover on Sunday against the Bucs. But for Quinn, the right team came out on top of that statistic when Bobby Wagner recovered Baker Mayfield’s 4th quarter fumble at the Tampa Bay 12.
“You’ve got to take advantage of those when they come and I thought we did a really good job offensively also of taking care of the ball. But it is the one thing we talk about almost on a regular basis, that controls the future, that turnover margin and we really work hard at that.”