Dan Quinn Delighted by Austin Ekeler and Zach Ertz’s Leadership Impacts as Commanders HC Praises Learning Initiative

When the Burgundy and Gold hit the practice field in Ashburn this spring, a palpable shift in energy coursed through the air, seasoned vets like Austin Ekeler and Zach Ertz weren’t just brought in to move the chains – they were the offensive and defensive coordinators of Dan Quinn’s cultural resurgence.

“You’ll see Zach working through a specific route you may see Wags you know pulling somebody to the side and discussing a coverage or a concept to go and so I’d say those are the small markers and then off the field um if You’ ask one of those guys take me through your process and I think for younger player that’s a big deal for them coming into the NFL “ Quinn stated to reporters after the OTA session this week, his eyes laser-focused on the future. “so knowing they were already ahead of them before they even got here um that’s what leadership is all about” Quinn added.

In the unforgiving terrain of the NFL, winning isn’t merely about calling the perfect play or making a highlight-reel grab. It’s a battle of wills, a merciless pursuit of greatness hardwired into every rep, every meeting, every interaction. For the scheme-savvy Quinn, vets like Ekeler and Ertz are the alpha dogs enforcing those standards.

Take Ekeler, the lightning-quick scatback who racked up 18 total touchdowns for the Chargers in 2022. He’s embraced his role as the rookie gunslinger Jayden Daniels‘ “best friend” and go-to security blanket. “As long as you can get me the ball in some type of way, some good things are going to happen,” Ekeler said on the Free Agency Friday segment of the Commanders, his voice a mix of humility and that unmistakable big-play swagger.

But the 29-year-old’s impact transcends simple box score stats. It’s about fostering a culture that raises the bar daily, an approach summed up in his own words: “I’m going to be pushing them just like I’m pushing everyone, including myself.”

As for Ertz, the battle-tested tight end knows championships are forged through the little things. Whether it’s staying late to perfect his route-running or taking a rookie like Ben Sinnott under his wing, the former Eagle is laser-focused on laying a foundation for sustained success. “It’s not just me being the salty vet that’s out there trying to tell them what to do every play because they’ve got a coach for that,” Ertz remarked to reporters, his words carrying the gravitas of a man who’s been there and done that.

The process and routine that Dan Quinn’s veterans imbibed to shape commanders’ future

But beyond the motivational speeches and rah-rah antics, Quinn’s high-profile signings bring something more substantive to the nation’s capital: a roadmap for navigating the NFL’s treacherous landscape. Take Bobby Wagner, the first-ballot Canton-bound linebacker who earned 10 All-Pro nods across his 12 seasons in Seattle. The veteran isn’t just a prolific tackler – he’s a certifiable gridiron savant, studying body language and pre-snap keys with intensity.

“I read body language for a living, to an extent,” Wagner stated matter-of-factly to pressors. “I’ve been around the game for a long time, so I see stuff. So you might think that you can get away with it with an average linebacker, [bt] I’ve seen the body language.”

It’s that attention to detail, that maniacal work ethic that allowed him to sniff out Washington’s pull concepts before they even happened, much to the bewilderment of guard Sam Cosmi. But Wagner’s expertise extends far beyond the hash marks.

While Wagner provides the cerebral edge, Ekeler brings a different kind of genius – the rare ability to thrive in any role. The dynamic playmaker dubbed himself a “Swiss Army knife”, ready to slash, cut, and punish defenses as a runner, receiver, or special teams demon.

“Whatever you put me in, whatever role it is, I can play that role,” Ekeler proclaimed with the bravado of The Terminator. “Do you need me to carry the ball for you, catch the ball for you, play in the screen game? I’ll still strap up there and go play some Gunner on punt team if they want to use me out there.”

These battle-tested vets aren’t just in-game warriors. They’re foundational pillars for the new era Quinn is minting in D.C. As Quinn surveys his revamped roster, he can’t help but feel storm clouds parting, sunshine peeking through. Because with vets like Wagner, Ekeler, and Ertz leading the charge, the path ahead may be daunting. But it’s paved with the same stuff that’s forged champions for decades: pure grit, unshakable determination, and the wisdom to “leave no doubt.”