Lions Week 10 preview: Breaking down Commanders’ offensive, defensive schemes

The Detroit Lions (5-3) and Washington Commanders (3-6) will square off in a Week 10 battle. While these two teams just faced off in last year’s NFC Divisional playoff game, each team looks a bit different than they did last year, and both teams are dealing with significant injuries, though the Lions’ situation may be a bit more optimistic.

As for the teams’ coaching staff, the Lions are working with two new coordinators and a handful of new position coaches, while the Commanders are rolling back the same unit from last season. As a reminder of who the Commanders’ decision-makers are and how things have changed in 2025, let’s take a closer look at the scheme they run and some scouting notes from previously viewed games.

Commanders head coach: Dan Quinn

NFL coaching seasons: 23 seasons
Head coaching seasons: 8 seasons (Falcons 2015-20, Commanders 2024-present)
Influences: Nick Saban, Eric Mangini, Gus Bradley, Jim Mora
Style: Culture setter
Playcaller: Yes (Defense)

Dan Campbell on Quinn and the Commanders:

“Got a lot of respect for what Dan Quinn’s done out there. Good program. They’ve gotten some injuries, some things that they’ve been trying to overcome here – and really no different than us though, coming off a loss and getting back on their feet. We’re getting back on our feet and cleaning things up and find a way to be competitive and get the win.”

Offensive coordinator: Kliff Kingsbury

NFL seasons as a player: Quarterback from 2003-06 (Patriots, Saints, Broncos, Jets, and Bills)
NFL coaching seasons: 6 seasons
Offensive coordinator seasons: 2 (Commanders 2024-present)
Head coaching seasons: 4 (Cardinals 2019-22)
QB cultivator: Case Keenum (Houston, 2010-11), Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M, 2012), Baker Mayfield (Texas Tech, 2013), Patrick Mahomes (Texas Tech, 2014-16), Kyler Murray (Cardinals, 2019-22), Caleb Williams (USC, 2023), and Jayden Daniels (2024-present)
Influences: Mike Leach (HC during time as a player), Dana Holgorsen (Texas Tech), Lincoln Riley (USC, 2023)
Key Staff: David Blough (Assistant QB coach), Anthony Lynn (Run game coordinator)

Offensive scheme

Passing game: Modified Air Raid
Running scheme: Outside Zone
Staples of scheme:

• Personnel: 11 (59.5%, 18th), 12 (32%, 9th), 13 (1.5%, 25th), 21 (2.3%, 20th)
• Scheme is almost completely designed to optimize Jayden Daniels
• Air Raid: High-tempo, shotgun, multiple receiving options
• West Coast influences: pre-snap motion, play-action (24.6%, 17th), screens, and bunch formations
• RPOs with QB-designed runs mixed in
• QB also has an open option to scramble
• Attack the middle of the field with layered crossing routes (Mesh and Y-Crossing routes)
• Prioritize 1st down success to get them into 2nd/3rd and managable
• 1st down = high-accuracy plays
• 2nd/3rd down = willing to gamble
• Will run no huddle when they get looks they like/advantages
• Multiple formations with the same personnel, intended to fool defenses
• Willing to go for it on 4th down
• Use the pass to set up the run

Scouting notes

• With Jayden Daniels injured, the offense takes...