The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.

We're back for more fan questions in this week's Hail Mail. The team is already in Spain, and I'm heading out on Wednesday (that's also my birthday, so I'm really looking forward to turning 33 in an airport. But hey, there are worse ways to live, right?)

Anyway, let's get to what Commanders fans want to know this week.

@skinsfan_1981: In a lost season, will the younger players that will be here next yr and beyond get more snaps to evaluate going forward? Also, how will the scheme change with DQ calling plays, making communication better, etc?

Let's start by addressing the opening part of your question. I truly get why fans are saying this is a "lost season." The Commanders are 3-7 with a narrow path to making the postseason. It's a complete turnaround from last season, when there was an outside shot the Commanders could win the division and maybe even the No. 1 overall seed if things went their way. That's a hard pill to swallow for everyone involved, from the fans to myself and the entire team.

But the Commanders are not operating under the belief that all is lost. They're still not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, and until that happens, they're going to do everything they can to keep their postseason hopes alive. Yes, the odds are objectively not in their favor, and it would take a monumental effort for the final seven games. But keep in mind that this is a sport filled with highly competitive people who have routinely beaten the odds throughout their lives. Giving up simply isn't how they're wired.

I know there are some fans out there who want the Commanders to lose as many games as possible to get a high draft pick. That happens all the time with struggling teams. And you can feel that way (I'm using "you" in the general sense, skinsfan. I'll get to the meat of your question in a moment). However, the players and coaches are paid to win. They're going to win as many games as they possibly can, regardless of what may come in the future.

Now, on to the other part of the question. I think they will, partly because there are so many injured players on the roster. However, there aren't many young players who aren't already getting serious snaps. Let's break this down:

• Jayden Daniels: obviously the starter when healthy

• Jer'Zhan Newton: the most likely candidate for at least this week since Daron Payne was suspended for one game

• Mike Sainristil: already a starter

• Ben Sinnott: another possible option, although I don't foresee him getting the start over Zach Ertz, at least until they are officially eliminated from contention

• Brandon Coleman: Again, I'm not sure when he could get more snaps. Maybe in the last few games if they're officially eliminated

• Luke McCaffrey: he showed impressive growth this season before breaking his collarbone. I'll be interested to see what he does in Year 3

• Jordan Magee: he's already getting more snaps, although perhaps his role changes if they are officially eliminated in the final few games

• Javontae Jean-Baptiste: he's on IR

• Josh Conerly: he's a starter

• Trey Amos: he broke his fibula and will be out for a while, perhaps even the rest of the season

• Jaylin Lane: already getting more snaps thanks to the injuries at receiver and has shown flashes

• Kain Medrano: another likely candidate, as he's been a healthy scratch more often than not this year. We'll see if that changes for the rest of the season

• Jacory Croskey-Merritt: a key piece of the running back rotation

So, if my math is correct, Medrano, Sinnott and Newton are the only players who could have larger roles for the rest of the season. I suppose you could call up some players from the practice squad, and there are some interesting options out there. However, let me speak generally about practice squad players: while they are obviously important pieces to the roster, draft picks are almost always going to get the nod over them, and they face a much steeper climb to making the active roster.

As for how things will change with Dan Quinn now taking over as the play-caller, I think the hope is that they will play faster, force more turnovers and get more stops. The scheme is what it is at this point, so don't expect any drastic changes. But I think the hope is that pre-snap communication, which I believe is the cause of all the explosive plays, will be more efficient going forward.

@MeEd315: With it never hurting to get a head start on the holiday season, what should the Commanders be asking from Santa this year?

A win on Christmas Day against the Cowboys. Going back to one of my earlier points, I know there are fans out there who want the Commanders to lose as many games as possible. Obviously, the Commanders were able to draft Jayden Daniels in 2024 because they only won four games in 2023. Like everyone else, I'm so glad Daniels is here, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't rooting for a win every week near the end of that season.

As someone who worked through the 2019 season and the eight-game losing streak in 2023, I can tell you that losing is not fun, and my job is much easier when the Commanders are successful. I would love for the Commanders to pull out a win over the Dolphins this weekend. I'll worry about draft picks in the offseason.