Commanders’ Loss Intensifies Scrutiny of Quinn’s Game Management

The Washington Commanders lost 23-17 to the San Francisco 49ers, renewing scrutiny of their game management eight days after a clock error contributed to a tie with the New York Giants. On fourth-and-2 at San Francisco’s 13-yard line, Washington went for it instead of attempting a field goal, but Jayden Daniels threw the ball out of bounds and the team turned it over on downs. Critics faulted Daniels’ execution and coach Dan Quinn’s decision, while video of Quinn’s reaction fueled speculation that he did not know the down. Quinn denied being confused, saying the team intended to go for it and the sideline discussion concerned an illegal-shift penalty and whether a field goal remained an option; Daniels said he needed to execute better. Washington fell to 1-4-1 despite Daniels throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns during a rally from a 20-point deficit, intensifying questions about Quinn’s future and the team’s repeated situational errors.