When does Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera’s short leash become a choke collar?
It’s time for Rivera to go. It won’t help the Commanders win any more games. That over/under 6.5 wins by oddsmakers that once seemed laughably low now looks on target.
After losing badly to Chicago, which hadn’t won a game in a year, and the New York Giants, playing with an offensive line off practice squads and a backup quarterback leading an offense that hadn't scored a touchdown in a month, Washington is 3-4 and suddenly sinking faster than Dow Jones facing another interest rate increase.
These shocking losses undermined the season. There’s no way Washington pulls together a playoff run. But even worse, year four under Rivera is no better than year one. In fact, it might be worse.
Teams can reverse fortunes in two years. Washington has merely stayed afloat under Rivera following mediocre drafts and non-existent free agency while allowing its offensive line – the most important collective position – to replace two Pro Bowl linemen with free-agent castoffs.
Rock bottom? Well, not quite. That’s Rivera’s strength. He stays just above water without ever seeing the shore.
Rivera was the right choice in 2020 – off the field. For three years, he stabilized a franchise in turmoil. Rivera countered unending scandals caused by owner Dan Snyder, led a front office makeover that provided decency in the hallways and backrooms, weathered two name changes and thankfully survived his own health crisis.
On paper, that’s a helluva run. Rivera’s a good man whom I respect and wish well. But, in the end, you have to win games and Rivera’s tenure has been a strip-tease show. Four first-rounders on the defensive line? Gotta be blocks of granite, right? A new quarterback every year must bring hope – correct?
Instead, it has been all smoke and broken mirrors.
Washington needs a complete overhaul of its front office, scouts and coaching staff. They didn’t get the job done in four seasons and there’s no expectation of improvement when your track record has been consistently spotty.
Name a second-round pick that has thrived under Rivera, who despite claiming group draft decisions is still the coach in “coach-centric.” Gee, name a first-rounder worth his selection? Jamin Davis needed three seasons to just be OK. Jahan Dotson has potential but has not been fully utilized. This year’s phenom Emmanuel Forbes was benched after six games. And 2020 second-overall pick Chase Young? The injury and attitude have made him a tepid pick.
New owner Josh Harris has to weigh another fan revolt simmering over the final weeks by keeping Rivera, who still has another year contractually. Harris can either wait until January to avoid looking reactionary like his predecessor Snyder or let Rivera go now to show the owner is engaged and not just worrying over recouping his $6.05 billion price.
At best, midseason moves get a one-game bump from the locker room before returning to its norm. And, switching to offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy may compromise his chances of retaining the job in 2024 or finding work elsewhere. If Washington finishes 2-8 under an interim coach, it’s not exactly a referendum to retain him.
Conversely, watching Rivera’s downfall harkens to the long, twisted exit by Jim Zorn, who endured a bingo caller as a play-caller during his final months. Rivera has already used his last-gasp motivational tactic of a note on the locker room saying, “Do your job.” The note should have been pasted to Harris’ door instead.
It’s the long goodbye for Rivera and Co. Avert your eyes. There’s nothing left to see.