ASHBURN, Va. – Dan Quinn, former defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, kept a notebook at the Cowboys’ headquarters where he jotted down observations about effective strategies used by others in the organization.

Anytime he noticed a method or strategy he appreciated—whether it was Coach Mike McCarthy’s approach to scheduling or how the front office handled free agency—he ensured to note it down.

“That’s a good approach,” Quinn would think as he penned his thoughts.

During his three seasons with the Cowboys, Quinn’s defenses performed well, ranking seventh, fifth, and fifth in scoring. Dallas achieved a 12-5 record each year, winning a playoff game before Quinn was hired by the Washington Commanders. This Sunday, he will compete against the franchise that offered him a new start after his dismissal as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons in 2020.

“When you see something executed effectively, you want to remember it,” Quinn shared on Wednesday. “ Coming here, I focused on applying some of those coaching processes that I could with my staff.”

“I learned so much during my time there. It was a truly valuable experience for me.”

Both franchises have traveled different paths in 2024. While both have faced their own challenges, the Commanders have flourished under new ownership, with first-year GM Adam Peters alongside Quinn, and have a promising rookie quarterback in Jayden Daniels who is a contender for the Offensive Rookie of the Year. After years of struggles since 2016 and having lost five of their last six games against Dallas, Washington is currently in playoff contention. In stark contrast, the Cowboys have stumbled to a 3-7 record without quarterback Dak Prescott for the season. Speculation suggests McCarthy may be replaced this offseason as owner Jerry Jones frequently remains in the spotlight. Under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, the Cowboys have faced difficulties, entering Week 12 with the sixth highest average yards allowed per game (365.7) and the second most points conceded.

“There are certainly some differences in coverage,” Quinn noted when discussing the contrasting defenses he reviewed this week compared to the previous three years he coached. “Mike’s employed a solid blitz scheme that has been effective for a long time.”

Some of the players who previously worked with Quinn in Dallas have expressed their surprise at the Cowboys’ struggles.

“It’s disappointing,” said defensive lineman Dorance Armstrong, who played six seasons with the Cowboys before joining the Commanders this offseason. “That’s all I can say about it.”

“I still keep an eye on them from time to time. They will always be my teammates, but I can’t help but notice what’s happening,” he added.

Quinn not only carried over some of the lessons he learned in Dallas but also brought key players with him. Armstrong, along with edge rusher Dante Fowler, center Tyler Biadasz, wide receiver Noah Brown, and cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, are among the five former Cowboys on Quinn’s initial Washington roster. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. also transitioned from the Cowboys, where he served as the pass game coordinator and secondary coach from 2021 to 2023.

Fowler, who jokingly pretended to spar with Quinn as the team warmed up on Wednesday, expressed his preference for being part of the Commanders now.

“It’s definitely a rewarding feeling to be on this side of the rivalry,” Fowler commented, recalling his last two years in Dallas with Quinn. “Watching Coach Quinn bring this team together and create unity has been impressive. Facing the Cowboys will be a unique experience for me since I’ll be competing against many former teammates and friends.”

Quinn has earned a reputation as a players’ coach among the Commanders. Brown, who joined Washington in late August after playing for the Texans last year, said he has experienced more engagement from Quinn than he did when he was with the Cowboys.

“He understands the dynamics of the game,” Brown noted. “His genuine care for his players is evident in how he runs things here.”

Armstrong had his best career seasons playing under Quinn in Dallas, recording a total of 21 sacks. He is one of the few former Cowboys anticipating this weekend’s game, recognizing its importance, even as NFC East matchups aren’t what they used to be.

“To me, this game carries significant weight,” Armstrong reflected. “All games are important, but playing against my former team elevates the urgency. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but that’s how I feel.”

Strategy will play a crucial role on both sides, with Armstrong advising his new teammates on the tendencies of the Cowboys’ offensive line, which is currently dealing with injuries that may lessen the effectiveness of his reconnaissance. Quinn described his matchup with McCarthy, whom he praised as “a phenomenal coach,” as a strategic battle of wits.

“But ultimately, it comes down to how well the players execute and perform,” Quinn affirmed. “Execution and the pace of our play are our top priorities.”

As Washington prepares to face Dallas, they could encounter Cooper Rush as the starting quarterback, along with potential appearances by backup Trey Lance.

“Cooper’s been around for a while; he knows the system inside and out,” Fowler commented. “He’s a solid quarterback, and Trey Lance’s agility makes him a dual-threat. So we have to come prepared—playing against both of them requires our best effort.”

For Biadasz, this game might mark the first time he shares the field with one of them.

One of his mentors, Cowboys right guard Zach Martin, won’t be playing alongside him on the offensive line. Biadasz, a fourth-round draft pick in 2020, gained professional insights from the future Hall of Famer and has now integrated those lessons into his routine at Washington. However, Martin may be sidelined for the game with ankle and shoulder injuries.

“It’s been a privilege to play beside him,” Biadasz stated. “The same goes for (former Cowboys left tackle) Tyron Smith. Observing how exceptional players, who are likely to become Hall of Famers, handle their routines has helped me discover what works best for me and how to incorporate those elements into my own practice.”

The impact of the former Cowboys players is already seen in Quinn’s coaching tenure; for instance, it was Brown who made the decisive Hail Mary catch against the Chicago Bears. Beyond their ability to play, Quinn had specific reasons for bringing Biadasz, Armstrong, and Fowler on board in the first year of his return to NFL coaching.

“The line of scrimmage is crucial,” Quinn emphasized.

Noted.

This story has been updated with new information.