As for getting a better look at their younger players, the Commanders have a standard for that as well, even in games that have little to no postseason ramifications. They have shown they are open to getting their rookies or second-year players on the field, as has been the case with Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Johnny Newton and others. Many have shown they are ready for the challenge; Newton had three sacks against the Cowboys, while Croskey-Merritt scored two touchdowns that put him up to eight for the season (that number leads all rookie running backs this season).
But the Commanders aren’t going to simply hand out more snaps to players. They have to prove they are ready for them.
“I think when you earn more, that’s fair to say the space for more playing time, more opportunities to go and featuring those guys in spaces,” Quinn said. “Sometimes it’s not even as much the extended playing as it is…part of a first part of a progression featured in some certain down and distances.”
Resting starters is also something that hasn’t come up in internal discussion.
“Not something we’re considering,” Quinn said. “Health definitely factors in with all the guys. But if the guys are healthy and they can play and do the things they need to, then that would be one. But it definitely factors in, but not on the healthy player
Although there are certain perceived benefits that could come with losing Sunday’s game, the Commanders aren’t concerned with that. They view the finale against the Eagles as another opportunity to improve. They’ll worry about everything else when they reach that point.
“Obviously, this game doesn’t have the magnitude that we hoped it would have when the schedule came out,” Quinn said. “But at the same time, we also recognize it’s a really important opportunity for a lot on our roster. And so, we don’t take that lightly.”