{"id":857666,"date":"2026-04-06T22:32:44","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:32:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/857666\/"},"modified":"2026-04-06T22:32:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:32:44","slug":"commanders-hc-dan-quinn-provides-clear-update-that-defense-is-teams-focus-for-2026-nfl-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/857666\/","title":{"rendered":"Commanders HC Dan Quinn provides clear update that defense is team’s focus for 2026 NFL season"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Washington Commanders<\/a> might have head coach Dan Quinn on the hot seat. When brought, it was because of his \u2018defensive savant\u2018 reputation, but in two years, the team\u2019s biggest weakness has been the defense.<\/p>\n

They were linked to star running back Jeremiyah Love for the draft with Chiefs and Giants going empty-handed<\/a>, but the fact is the Commanders focus will be the defense. In fact, that\u2019s where money has been spent, and according to Quinn, that\u2019s the plan all along.<\/p>\n

The Commanders have made eight defensive signings already. As Quinn<\/a> said, \u201cThe best teams that I\u2019ve been a part of had waves of players that could apply pressure. We\u2019ll need to be able to do that and we will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Offense is flashy, but defense is key<\/p>\n

\u201cWhether you\u2019re affecting a bad throw, or you\u2019re hitting the quarterback to try to get the ball off them,\u201d Dan Quinn said, \u201cif we can do that consistently, then we\u2019ll have a chance to really play like we like.\u201d And yes, having four first rounders in the front seven will help a lot in doing so.<\/p>\n

Commanders overhauling the defense in free agency<\/p>\n

free agency signings in Washington:<\/p>\n

EDGE Charles Omenihu
EDGE Odafe Oweh
EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson
DT Tim Settle
LB Leo Chenal
CB Amik Robertson
S Nick Cross
TE Chig Okonkwo<\/p>\n

\u2014 Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The Commanders also spent a $100 million in bringing in Odafe Oweh for the next four years. Also, bringing all these names gives Quinn a plethora of new ideas. He can shift from a 3-4 base to a 4-3 package. It\u2019s a versatile unit now.<\/p>\n

The Commanders are in a weird spot<\/p>\n

This team made a fatal mistake. As usual, when an NFL team overachieves in one season, it tends to think its closer to success than it actually is. Hence, when the Commanders went all the way to the NFC Championship Game in 2024, they fooled themselves.<\/p>\n

They spent without a care in the world in a win-now attempt. Needless to say, it backfired. Now, they have new coordinators, plenty of new players, and an aging core. Hence, restructuring the defense is the first step to get back on track.<\/p>\n

\"Bruno<\/a><\/p>\n