Category: 2023 NFL Season

Ron Rivera proud of Commanders’ ‘rugged’ culture

Ron Rivera proud of ‘rugged’ Commanders culture

At his weekly press conference Tuesday, Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera was asked: “Four years ago today, you were introduced as the head coach. As you look back over the four years, what are you most proud of?”

Rivera instantly responded, “What we’ve done with the culture.”

Rivera elaborated: “I think that was one of the things when somebody asked me the same question. One of the biggest things, more than anything else, is, I think, where we are. Obviously, it’s not where we want to be. But you know, that’s just the nature of this game sometimes.”

“The way the guys have played these last few weeks, they’ve been very gritty. They’ve fought. They’ve played to the end. I think that’s one of those things that’s gratifying as far as being a coach is concerned. You know, having guys that just fight. They’re rugged; they don’t back down from anybody.”

“You know, sure, we had expectations, higher expectations than where we are. But heck, there’s not much more you can do than just keep showing up and playing hard.”

In each of Rivera’s first three seasons with Washington, his team won the last game of the regular season. On Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, in what could be his finale as Washington head coach, Rivera hopes his guys will fight hard enough that he can make it all four seasons.

Commanders PFF grades: Best and worst performers vs. 49ers in Week 17

The grades are in. Who graded the highest on offense? What about defense? Sam Cosmi stands out again.

No one gave the Washington Commanders a chance in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers. The Commanders entered the game having lost six games in a row with a struggling young quarterback and a 32nd-ranked defense and without three starters along the offensive line and in the secondary.

However, Washington surprised everyone, going toe-to-toe with the 49ers for close to three quarters. Sure, it appeared that San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan looked more interested in leaving the game healthy than unleashing his full offensive arsenal against Washington, but the Commanders competed hard on both sides of the ball.

Washington’s new-look offensive line held up incredibly well against San Francisco’s terrific defensive line.

How did Pro Football Focus grade the Commanders against the 49ers? Let’s review PFF’s top — and bottom — performers from Week 17.

Commanders’ postgame quotes following loss to 49ers

Ron Rivera, Jonathan Allen, Terry McLaurin, Sam Howell, Brian Mitchell and others comment on Commanders’ loss to 49ers.

“Early on, it looked like we were going to make this game into a match. But as they game went on, you saw they clearly had too much for us. And I say it all the time, you can’t help a team beat you.” Brian Mitchell

“I thought the defense did a lot of good things today. But they’re a more talented roster, they’ve got playmakers at all spots, their defense played excellent and obviously Sam has been struggling a little bit.” Logan Paulsen

“Ultimately, I think he handled himself well coming into this game. But as that game went on, you saw the pressure of the 49ers was just too much. And your guy can’t go out there and get it done by himself.” Brian Mitchell

“Sam did some good things. But I think we are starting to see who he is as a player. Not to say that he can’t get better. But I think this is what our expectation for Sam should be the rest of this season.” Logan Paulsen

“Jacoby was still tight. So we had to be careful with it (hamstring). That was why we went with Sam.” Ron Rivera

“I thought Sam had some really good moments…the situation gave him an opportunity, and he performed, he really did. I thought he made some good decisions, threw some really good balls. Obviously, there were a couple of throws I promise he wished he had back, but he did a lot of good things.” Ron Rivera

“Obviously, an interesting week. Wasn’t expecting until two hours before the game to have to play today, but…..every single opportunity I get, I try to go out there and give it my all and make the most of it.”  Sam Howell

“Honestly, I couldn’t care less. I’m focused on what I’m doing to help this team. I’m going to go out there and play hard, enjoy it, play for the love of the game, and that’s what I did today.” Jonathan Allen on the uncertainty of who was going to play at quarterback

“I give credit to him because it hasn’t been an easy season for him. And obviously, he’s going to get a lot of the blame and things like that. I think we all have a hand in it — the coaches, players. It’s been tough, but the way he came out in the first half, it showed resiliency. You could see a smile on his face. That made me happy because it’s a tough game, especially at that position. So I think he handled it as best as he could.”  Terry McLaurin on Sam Howell

“It’s definitely tough. I mean, you want to be a part of something that is sustainable, and you’re winning and competing at a high level.”  Terry McLaurin

“When you’re going against teams like that, you got to play — not perfect, but you got to make the most of every opportunity. You got to give them credit for building that team and for the players going out there and executing. Hopefully, I can be a part of something like that, but I’m just focused on myself, my world, and my journey, and I’m going to keep working to be the best player I can be.”  Terry McLaurin

Bieniemy didn’t help the Commanders vs. the 49ers

The Commanders ran the ball just 14 times and Brian Robinson Jr. was excellent when he had opportunities.

It wasn’t as close as the final score for the Commanders on Sunday.

The scoreboard read 27-10, and those watching at a surface level will take some comfort, but other numbers were much more indicative.

The Commanders only registered 12 first downs, while the 49ers accumulated more than double that with 28.

The 49ers ran 25 more offensive plays than the Commanders, as Washington could only manage 43 to San Francisco’s 68.

The 49ers accumulated 408 yards of offense on Sunday. Meanwhile, Washington could only generate 225 yards.

The 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan understands how a running game helps his quarterback, Brock Prudy. San Francisco ran the ball down the Commanders’ throats 39 times, gaining 184 rushing yards, averaging 4.7 a carry.

Meanwhile, Washington’s offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy, continued to stubbornly show everyone he was in charge. Sunday, Bieniemy only had the Commanders run the ball 14 times. 14 rushing attempts? And this guy wants a head-coaching job in the NFL?

Washington was averaging 4.4 yards a carry, and its quarterback Sam Howell had struggled terribly the last month, so the offensive coordinator’s strategy was only to run the ball 14 times!

Sunday’s loss was Washington’s 12th in their last 14 games. This season can’t end soon enough.

 

Commanders CB Christian Holmes ruled out with a concussion

Christian Holmes suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter.

The Washington Commanders continue to lose bodies in their secondary. Entering Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers, Washington was without starting cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste, and starting safety Percy Butler.

In the first half, cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields, seeing his first time on defense this season, injured his shoulder and was lost for the game. That created an opportunity for second-year cornerback Christian Holmes.

The special-teams stalwart immediately made an impact, breaking up a third-and-5 around midfield to force a punt. Washington would score a touchdown on the following possession.

As for Holmes, he remained in the game and, by all accounts, played well.

Unfortunately, in the fourth quarter, on what appeared to be a Deebo Samuel first-down run inside the five-yard line, Holmes seemed fine, chatting with Trent Williams before he suddenly fell to the ground.

Here’s the play.

Holmes was on the ground for several minutes before he was carted off. Washington immediately ruled him out with a concussion.

Holmes was a seventh-round draft pick from Oklahoma State in the 2022 NFL draft.

49ers lead Commanders 13-10 at halftime

A surprisingly good first half from the Commanders against the 49ers.

The heavily-favored San Francisco 49ers lead the Washington Commanders 13-10 at halftime of their Week 17 matchup.

San Francisco opened the game on offense and drove the ball down the field on 12 plays, but Washington’s defense held the Niners to a field goal.

After the Commanders went three-and-out on their first possession, the 49ers, led by quarterback Brock Purdy, went on a nine-play, 63-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

How would Washington respond?

By feeding running back Brian Robinson Jr., Robinson had a 12-yard run on his first carry, and then Howell hit Robinson on a beautifully designed screen pass that went for 22 yards. The Commanders would settle for a field goal.

Washington’s defense continued to play hard, though, forcing a punt when cornerback Christian Holmes made an excellent play on third down. Holmes was forced into duty with all of Washington’s injuries in the secondary.

The Commanders would begin their next possession from the 16-yard line. Howell found wide receiver Terry McLaurin three times on the drive, including a 42-yard dime to set up a three-yard touchdown pass to McLaurin.

It was Howell’s best drive in weeks.

The 49ers were driving again, but Washington’s defense was excellent in the red zone, forcing a field goal.

Howell completed nine of 13 passes for 100 yards in the first half, while McLaurin caught four passes for 61 yards and a touchdown. Robinson rushed for 33 yards on six attempts, and also had 22 yards receiving.

Washington will get the ball first in the second half.

WATCH: Sam Howell throws dime to Terry McLaurin to set up Commanders’ touchdown

An excellent throw from Sam Howell set up Washington’s first touchdown vs. 49ers.

It’s been a rough few weeks for Washington quarterback Sam Howell and the offense. Howell was benched in favor of Jacoby Brissett in the last two games and watched Brissett lead the Commanders to five touchdowns in his drives under center.

Brissett was supposed to start Sunday but injured his hamstring in practice late in the week, paving the way for Howell’s return.

How would the second-year quarterback respond?

The Commanders would go three-and-out on their first drive, but Howell, behind two big plays from running back Brian Robinson Jr., would finish their second drive with a field goal.

On Washington’s third drive, which began at its 16-yard line, Howell led an impressive 84-yard drive that ended with a three-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

It was this 42-yard completion to McLaurin on third-and-2 that set up Washington’s touchdown.

That was a dime from Howell and impressive, considering how he’s performed over the past few weeks.

A few plays later, Howell found McLaurin again, this time for a touchdown.

4 reasons the Commanders should be concerned about the 49ers

The Commanders have plenty to be concerned about facing the 49ers.

Nick Bosa

The Commanders offensive tackles are beat up, including the fact that Charles Leno is already declared to be out and Andrew Wylie has missed time this week, attempting to heal.

Bosa could really make things absolutely miserable for the Commanders quarterback, Sunday, whether that be Jacoby Brissett or Sam Howell. Bosa has already registered 10.5 quarterback sacks, 14 tackles for a loss and an impressive 33 quarterback hits.

Christian McCaffrey

McCaffrey is a workhorse like no other in the NFL. The 49ers look to get him the ball early and often in every game. Consequently, he leads the NFL in rushing attempts (258), rushing yards (1,395) touches from scrimmage (321) and total yards from scrimmage (1,932). He has 14 rushing touchdowns and 7 receiving touchdowns.

George Kittle

With the game tied 7-7 last year at the half, Kittle got loose on two consecutive possessions for a 34-yard touchdown and a 33-yard touchdown. With the Commanders safeties Darrick Forrest and Percy Butler being out Sunday, Kittle could be unstoppable.

Brock Purdy

Frankly, the Commanders pass rush has been virtually non-existant since the trades of Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Purdy thrives in situations where he can use play action and find open receivers because the secondary has to honor the 49ers run fakes. Purdy’s effectiveness is beyond question, especially when the 49ers take the lead. He leads the NFL in yards per passing attempt (9.7), yards per completion (14.2), passer rating (112.2) and QBR (71.7). He has passed for 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Commanders received another surprise Friday

Friday’s quarterback news seems fitting after another lost season.

Just when you thought the Commanders’ season had taken all of the wild, unexpected swings it could, Friday brought another major surprise.

The Commanders were all set to start Jacoby Brissett Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers because Sam Howell, who started all 15 games this season, has struggled enough the past two weeks that Ron Rivera and Eric Bieniemy both felt he needed to sit.

Suddenly, on Thursday, Brissett apparently tweaked a hamstring. Trainer Al Bellamy reportedly treated Brissett, and Friday morning during practice, Brissett was still tight. It was apparently significant enough of a tweak that the Commanders are saying Brissett is now questionable for Sunday’s game.

After running back Chris Rodriguez displayed he is indeed a tough runner against both the Rams and the Jets, he came up lame late in New York. Thursday, the team went ahead and placed Rodriguez on the Injured Reserve list, ending his season. They could have used his running the final two weeks of the season, considering the defenses they will face in the 49ers and Cowboys.

Brian Robinson Jr. has been nursing a hamstring injury of his own, and Jonathan Williams suffered a concussion against the Rams, as both missed the Jets game. Rodriguez showed enough that he will be missed and it would have been great to get him more carries and rest Robinson another week.

Now Washington is thinning out at running back. Robinson plans to play on Sunday, with Antonio Gibson in the mix as usual. Former Kansas City Chief running back Derrick Gore was recently signed off the practice squad. Rivera offered no update on Williams.

If that wasn’t enough, Benjamin St-Juste and Percy Butler also missed practice Friday, as well as starters Charles Leno and Tyler Larsen from the offensive line. All are out for Sunday’s game. Even worse, Washington’s best defensive back, Kendall Fuller, is also out.

Sunday’s game against the 49ers could get out of control pretty quickly.

When they last met: Commanders and 49ers

The Commanders hung tough with the 49ers last season until they pulled away in the second half.

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

San Francisco 37, Washington 20 – Week 16, Dec. 24, 2022

Brock Purdy completed 15 of 22 passes for 234 yards and two touchdowns as the Commanders fell to the San Francisco 49ers 37-20 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

Entering the game with a 7-6-1, the Commanders playing for a playoff berth, went toe-to-toe with the 49ers, as the game was tied 7-7 at the half. The Commanders had missed a huge opportunity in the second quarter when inside the 5, they ran four plays but could not score.

Purdy completed touchdown passes of 34 and 33 yards to George Kittle, extending the 49ers lead to 21-7.

But Washington starter Taylor Heinicke answered with a 3-yard scoring pass to Terry McLaurin with 2:46 remaining in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit to 21-14.

The 49ers defense then shut down the Commanders offense, resulting in three consecutive possessions resulting in Robbie Gould field goals, extending the 49ers’ lead to 30-14.

Ron Rivera benched Heinicke and turned to Carson Wentz. Wentz responded, completing 12 of 16 passes for 123 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown pass to Curtis Samuel.

As a result of Wentz playing well, Rivera named Wentz the starter for the next week against the Browns, but Wentz played poorly; Washington lost at home to the Browns and was officially eliminated from the 2022 playoff race.