In life, if you want results to change, you have to change something. Yet, change for the sake of change will not necessarily bring better results.
Perhaps that is what Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was thinking on Monday. While in conversation with the press, he was asked if there might be a change in who is returning punts for Washington.
First, he acknowledged why the question was being asked. Washington’s Olamide Zaccheaus had muffed two punts Sunday, and the Steelers recovered the second one. Only needing to travel 14 yards, the Steelers converted the Zaccheaus fumble into a quick touchdown.
“No one would be more disappointed than OZ in that. I am confident in him,” said Quinn.
Quinn is confident in Zaccheaus, perhaps because Zaccheaus has also caught 22 receptions this season, averaging 10.5 yards per reception. Sure, Quinn could bring up someone from the practice squad, but if he does, that is a roster spot.
Last year’s punt returner Jamison Crowder injured a calf and was put on injured reserve. If Quinn were to bring back Crowder, would he then release someone?
In addition, on his 11 punt returns this season, Zaccheaus is averaging 12.3 yards a return and his long is only 24 yards. In 2023, Crowder only averaged 7.9 yards on his 35 punt returns.
Quinn acknowledged the bobbled punts were “a big deal.” Yet he also added, “Yeah, don’t have any change into that space as we’re heading into this game.”
So Quinn is not saying there will be no change. He is saying there will be no change for this game. He wants to stay with Zaccheaus and is confident Zaccheaus can put his fumbling behind him.
