Another chapter of the miserable four-year reign of Ron Rivera was closed on Saturday. The Washington Commanders released 2023 first-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes after only 20 games played for the franchise.
The news wasn’t a surprise. Besides a thumb injury that cost him some time early in the season, Forbes has been a healthy scratch for weeks. Over the last five games, Forbes played eight total defensive snaps and was either inactive or did not play in three of those five games.
Head coach Dan Quinn and his staff, known for developing defensive backs, had seen enough of Forbes. With the release of Forbes, none of Rivera’s four first-round picks are in Washington anymore. The Commanders traded Chase Young (2020) last season, released Jamin Davis (2021) this season, traded Jahan Dotson (2022) in the summer, and now waive Forbes.
That’s some historic ineptitude.
That begs the question: What did Rivera accomplish in four years? Don’t even start about the culture. Anytime Rivera was even pushed about his lack of success, the excuses began, starting with the culture. He was changing the culture. Here’s the funny thing: right guard Sam Cosmi didn’t even understand what culture meant until Quinn arrived and actually changed the culture this past offseason.
Never forget Rivera and the Super Bowl comments.
“I don’t worry about being on the hot seat, Rivera said before the 2023 season. “If we go 8-8-1 this year and he fires me, and next year they win the division with 40 of the 53 players we drafted and the same quarterback? I’m vindicated, send me my Super Bowl ring.”
That aged poorly.
What did new general manager Adam Peters think of the roster Rivera left him?
All six of Washington’s first-round picks from the 2019-2023 NFL Drafts now are gone. Never underestimate the job that Adam Peters took on when he became the #Commanders’ general manager this past January. And never, ever, forget The Pause. pic.twitter.com/x569AaAQDn
— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) November 30, 2024
Peters’ pause told you everything you needed to know and that was weeks before the new GM would take a wrecking ball to Rivera’s roster.
Heading into Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans, the Commanders sit at 7-5 on the season, currently an NFC playoff team. When you think of what Peters and Quinn inherited, it’s a small miracle this team even won seven games this season. And Washington has five games remaining.
Regardless of what you think about the Commanders’ recent slump, consider where they were. No, it doesn’t excuse the current three-game losing streak, but it should give everyone perspective. For the first in a long time, Washington has professionals in charge.
So, when you’re mad when Quinn doesn’t challenge a call or go for it on fourth down, remember where the Commanders were at this time one year ago.
Do you think Dan Quinn is scrolling social media to see what the media and fans say about him? It’s the same thing with Peters. Do you think he cares what those on the outside think of the job he’s doing? And Quinn certainly isn’t going to lecture a reporter for asking a valid question.
Regardless of what happens during the remainder of this season, Quinn should already be the NFL’s Coach of the Year for his work with the Commanders. Peters should already be the NFL’s Executive of the Year. They inherited a mess, but with five games remaining, they have the team positioned well for the playoffs—with a rookie quarterback.
The departure of Emmanuel Forbes officially closes the book on the Ron Rivera era.