In the last week Commanders head coach Ron Rivera has certainly made new owner Josh Harris’ job easier.
Washington lost 31-19 at home last week to the anemic N.Y. Giants. Then turned around on Thursday and looked even worse (much worse) at Dallas, being embarrassed 45-10 on national television.
What was Harris to do? How was Harris to respond Friday?
Enter head coach Ron Rivera.
Rivera reportedly contacted Harris with his plan Friday morning and Harris gave the nod to Rivera to proceed with his plan. Gone are defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmayer.
As a result, Harris did not have to fire two coaches with five games remaining. Even more, instead of the constant speculation of when and what Harris was going to do, asserting his authority over the mess. The speculation is now removed; Harris can wait another five games and begin cleaning house.
I hate to say it, but the Cowboys also revealed that they had no respect for the Commanders going into last week’s debacle. I mean, Dak Prescott even went to head coach Mike McCarthy asking if he could eat turkey on the sideline during the game.
What’s more, Jerry Jones and McCarthy went along with it. No respect! They view Washington as a clown show. So, with the game easily in hand, there was Prescott on the sideline eating his turkey. It certainly helps Harris discern how the Commanders’ team is viewed around the league.
Speaking of no respect, which players has Harris himself, already determined must go? The linebackers can be seen weekly, chasing after receivers with the ball in their hands.
Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes sure get picked on by other teams don’t they? Imagine what Rivera will attempt to scheme for Miami when the 8-3 Dolphins come to town Sunday?
Tua Tagovailoa has completed 69.8% of his passes in 2023. He has passed for 22 touchdown passes, along with ten interceptions. Rivera will need something to impact the Dolphins passing game. Tua’s passer rating is 103.7, and his QBR is 59.5.
Rivera will have his hands full with the Dolphins offense, and perhaps he will be focused on having to develop the defensive game plan himself.
Will Rivera still insist on telling us this week about the “growth and development” of his young guys?