Dan Quinn Explains 4th Down Confusion After Viral Video During Commanders’ Loss to 49ers

01:00Featured Video49ers Go Into MNF Undefeated 🔥AP PhotoDan Quinn Explains 4th Down Confusion After Viral Video During Commanders' Loss to 49ersAndrew PetersOct 20, 2026During the second quarter of Monday night's contest between the Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn appeared to be confused about what down it was.

Instead of kicking the field goal in 49ers' territory while trailing 13-3, the Commanders went for it and turned it over on downs. Cameras showed Quinn appearing confused, which led some to believe he didn't know it was fourth down.

TOP NEWSWAS to Give Quinn ChanceBleacher Report2dDaniels, Quinn Not Under FireBleacher Report13hMcNabb Relates to Daniels 🤝Bleacher Report2dAfter the game, he explained that wasn't the case.

"Definitely knew it was fourth down," he told reporters. "We were going for it… We knew we had to go for some fourth downs to be bold in the game. I didn't think it was going to be a 17-14 game; I thought it was probably gonna be a 28-30 game."

▶️ Full Commanders-49ers Recap05:39The Commanders went on to lose the game 23-17, so it's hard to say whether it would have made a difference if Washington took the field goal.

Regardless, the Commanders are now 1-4-1, and their playoff hopes are dwindling quickly. Quinn is entering hot-seat territory and can't afford to make any big mistakes moving forward.