Commanders coach Quinn denies confusion over down in 49ers game

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 14:08 · Archive

Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn denied losing track of downs during Monday's loss to San Francisco after appearing on television to say 'that was 4th down'.

Dan Quinn denied losing track of the down count during the Commanders' 23-17 loss to San Francisco on Monday night, after appearing to say 'that was 4th down' on the sidelines during a second-quarter situation. Lip readers suggested Quinn made the comment after a play on fourth-and-2 from the 49ers' 13-yard line.

Quinn told reporters he 'definitely knew it was fourth down' and explained that someone had asked him if they could attempt a field goal. He said: 'Like, it's the turnover on downs. Like, I think somebody asked me, 'Can we kick a field goal?' ... I knew what happened.' Quarterback Jayden Daniels had thrown the ball away on the play rather than forcing it to a receiver, knowing it would be a turnover either way. Running back Rachaad White was flagged for an illegal shift, which the 49ers declined.

Daniels told reporters he needed to execute better. 'I just gotta execute better in that situation, regardless of a flag or not,' he said. 'Fourth down … don't die with the ball, so I have to be better in that spot.' Daniels appeared to have believed a flag might have been for defensive offside that would have awarded Washington a first down.

How it is being reported

• Dan Quinn ‘definitely knew it was 4th down’ after lip readers questioned Commanders bizarre playSomeone has some explaining to do – again.New York Post · 20 Oct, 13:52
• Commanders' Dan Quinn appears to lose track of downs one week after clock debacle – but he has an explanationDan Quinn's apparent gaffe on Monday Night Football sparked game management blame on ESPN but coach explained what really happened after the game.Fox News · 20 Oct, 12:09

In this story: Dan Quinn · Jayden Daniels · Washington Commanders · San Francisco 49ers · Rachaad White

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