Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons publicly blamed Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels for a disastrous clock error that ended Sunday’s matchup with the New York Giants in a 27-27 tie, claiming the mistake could cost head coach Dan Quinn his position.
Speaking on his podcast, “The Edge with Micah Parsons,” the injured defender took issue with Daniels taking a sack deep in New York territory with no timeouts remaining instead of discarding the football to set up a game-winning field goal. Washington reached the Giants’ 24-yard line in overtime following a fumble recovery, but time expired after the sack before the Commanders could rush to the line to spike the ball.
“Jayden Daniels probably cost my man Dan Quinn his job, to be honest with you,” Parsons said on his show. “The reality is, he probably cost a lot of people their jobs this past weekend.”
Parsons, who played under Quinn from 2021 to 2023 when Quinn served as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, expressed disbelief that a third-year starter would surrender a sack in that specific scenario. Daniels led Washington to the NFC Championship Game during the 2024 season, a pedigree Parsons argued should have prevented such a fundamental late-game blunder.
“All respectfully, we get coached so much on these situations that, like, I’m a defensive player, and this shit’s programmed to me,” Parsons said. “There’s no way I’m taking a sack with 14 seconds left and no timeouts. … And to me, like even after a sack, you’re casually getting up.”
Debate Over Blame and Clock Management
The sequence capped a wild divisional contest where Washington held a 27-13 lead early in the fourth quarter before New York rallied to force overtime. After Giants kicker Dominic Zvada missed a 46-yard field goal attempt in the extra session, defensive tackle Shy Tuttle recovered a fumble by Giants running back Cam Skattebo, positioning Washington for a walk-off kick.
Following the game, Daniels took personal accountability for not getting the ball out of bounds or stopping the clock. “We’ve got to know the situation,” Daniels told reporters. “Ultimately, it’s on me.” Left guard Chris Paul also told 7News DC that the team had discussed having no timeouts remaining in the huddle before the play, according to Fox News.
Quinn also shouldered the blame publicly, stating that the sequence did not fall on his quarterback. Quinn acknowledged on Monday that he understands the pressure surrounding NFL coaches, with Washington sitting at 1-3-1 and in last place in the NFC East.
Fan Pushback and Coach Job Security
Parsons’ defense of his former coordinator drew immediate criticism across social media, as reported by Pro Football Network. Fans and commentators pointed out Quinn’s broader record, arguing that the coach bears ultimate responsibility for situational football and roster discipline.
Since leading the Commanders to the conference championship game in his debut campaign in 2024, Quinn has compiled a 6-15-1 mark, bringing his overall record in Washington to 18-20-1. Critics highlighted recurring problems with clock management, defensive lapses, and squandered fourth-quarter leads during his tenure.
The overtime stalemate overshadowed a productive personal outing for Daniels, who was making his return from a dislocated left elbow suffered in Week 2. Daniels completed 17 of 25 passes for 199 yards while rushing for 103 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite the growing public scrutiny and Parsons’ dire forecast, Washington does not intend to dismiss Quinn at this time. ESPN’s John Keim reported that the Commanders have no immediate plans to make coaching changes following the tie, leaving Quinn in place as the team tries to salvage its season.
