Micah Parsons Blames Jayden Daniels' Sack for Dan Quinn's Potential Job Loss

Micah Parsons, star defensive end for the Green Bay Packers, stated that quarterback Jayden Daniels' decision to take a sack instead of throwing the ball away in overtime against the New York Giants likely cost Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn his job. The crucial play occurred in Week 5, resulting in a 27-27 tie and intensifying scrutiny on Quinn's tenure.

Parsons, who previously served as defensive coordinator under Quinn with the Dallas Cowboys from 2021 to 2023, expressed his views on the podcast "The Edge with Micah Parsons." He argued that Daniels' late-game decision in overtime, particularly without any timeouts and in field goal range, was inexcusable for a third-year player who has experienced significant moments in the league.

"Jayden Daniels probably cost my man Dan Quinn his job, to be honest with you," Parsons said. "I’m a big Jayden Daniels fan, but, the reality is he probably cost a lot of people their jobs this past weekend."

The Commanders had held a lead for much of the game before Malik Nabers' fourth-quarter touchdown forced overtime. The Giants then had an opportunity to win, but kicker Dominic Zvada missed a 46-yard field goal. On the ensuing drive, Daniels took a sack with 14 seconds remaining and no timeouts, effectively ending the game in a tie.

Parsons highlighted the lack of urgency from Daniels after the sack, noting that he was not "urgently getting up." He emphasized that such decision-making in critical situations should be well-understood by veteran players.

"There’s no way I’m taking a sack with 14 seconds left and no timeouts," Parsons added. "And mind you, it’d be different if Jayden Daniels was a rookie. This is your third year. You’ve been to the NFC Championship Game, you’ve been in big moments before."

Despite the controversial play, Daniels had a statistically solid game, rushing for 103 yards and two touchdowns, and completing 17 of 25 passes for 199 yards. This was his first game back after dislocating his elbow in Week 2.

Quinn, speaking after the game, stated that the blame "does not fall on" Daniels. However, Commanders left guard Chris Paul indicated that the lack of timeouts was discussed in the huddle prior to the play. Daniels himself acknowledged responsibility, saying, "We’ve got to know the situation. We’ve got to relay that as an offense. It starts with everybody, top down. Ultimately, it’s on me."

Parsons, however, felt that Daniels' actions warranted a stronger response from teammates, suggesting he would have addressed the quarterback directly in the locker room about the play's implications.

"I’m a player. I’m a big JD5 fan, but that’s inexcusable bro. The lack of urgency, that’s something … I would’ve had to say something in the locker room. I would’ve had to come talk to him, like, ‘Yo, that’s not OK.’"

The Commanders currently sit at the bottom of the NFC East division, and the tie further complicated their season after reaching the NFC Championship Game in the previous year.