Tag: Head Coach Ron Rivera

When they last met: Commanders and Cowboys

The last time the Cowboys and Commanders met was Ron Rivera’s last game in Washington.

“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.

Dallas 38, Washington 10 – Week 18, January 7, 2024

Ron Rivera’s last game as Washington’s head coach illustrated so well how far his program had fallen.

In his last game, Rivera and the Commanders were thumped by the Cowboys 38-10 at the then-FedEx Field in Landover.

The Cowboys were clearly the superior team, gaining 31 first downs, while the Commanders could only generate 12.

How bad were the Commanders? Dallas had 440 total yards, while Washington could only manufacture 180.

Remember that this was a Commanders team and coaching staff that had been thoroughly embarrassed just a month earlier, on Thanksgiving Day 45-10, by the same Cowboys team that was actually eating Turkey on the sidelines and laughing at the Commanders.

In this season finale, Dak Prescott was not challenged, not being sacked, completing 31 of 36 passes for 279 yards and four touchdown passes. Meanwhile, Commanders quarterback Sam Howell was being sacked four times, took seven more quarterback hits, and was intercepted twice.

Washington had played the Cowboys twice in a month and lost 45-10 and 38-10. The result seriously resembled what you see when the high school varsity team plays another high school team. The disparity of talent and intensity resulted in a boring second-half blowout. This game, like the entire season, like the Ron Rivera era, couldn’t end soon enough.

Rivera’s program was in total shambles (no exaggeration), and the fan base was actually relieved when it was over, knowing the Josh Harris ownership group was going to make wholesale changes.

 

What did Jahan Dotson say about Commanders and Dan Quinn?

What did former Washington first-round pick Jahan Dotson say about his former team?

Jahan Dotson was the object of much criticism during Commanders’ training camp.

He was traded to the Eagles, and for the next three or four days, the main topic on DC Sports radio was body language and its importance in team building.

The biggest surprise was that GM Adam Peters traded Dotson to the NFC East divisional rival Philadelphia Eagles. Peters was heavily criticized for trading Dotson within the division.

However, Dotson has not (yet) had a productive season through nine Eagles games. He has eight receptions for 98 yards and no touchdowns in his nine Eagles games.

When Dotson was asked about Thursday’s opponent, the Commanders, how did he respond?

“You have a great coached team, a great leader of men,” Dotson said of Quinn. “If you can implement the right kind of mindset and the right kind of culture, you can do a lot of great things, and that’s a kudos to coach Dan Quinn. He’s doing a fantastic job. He knows how to grab the room and … he makes it very easy for people to listen to him and do what he asks.”

Being traded by Quinn before he had even completed a single training camp, one might expect much different comments. But apparently, after spending his first two seasons with Ron Rivera and his second one with Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator, Dotson was apparently very impressed with Quinn’s coaching and leadership.

What did Dotson have to say about his former Washington teammates? “They have some fantastic players over there and they’re putting their players in some good positions to make plays.”

Credit to Dotson here. He could have taken a shot or two at the new coaching staff that kicked him out the door. However, he took the time to be honest and give credit where it was due.

After all, Dotson played on that 4-13, weak, noncompetitive team that finished next to last in the NFL, earning the No. 2 overall draft pick.

Dotson knows how much worse it was last year; he lived it.

Commanders drama grows concerning Eric Bieniemy

Has Eric Bieniemy pushed too hard? Opinions will be mixed.

The Commanders’ drama continues into this week’s bye week.

From the outset, it should be stated explicitly if the Commanders were 7-6 instead of 4-9, there would be much less drama right now.

Just last week, Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan reported that he was being told that there are Commanders players not endorsing Eric Bieniemy in his coaching style.

Now, John Keim and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN have combined to write a story that unfolds how this season, which began with such high hopes, is now crumbling in its last month.

Apparently some players were not going to make their treatments because Bieniemy was running over the usually understood time for offensive personnel meetings. One player communicated that Bieniemy had suggested they could use a foam roller during the meeting.

Another player said it was getting better, “He’s gotten better at respecting our time.”

There was the preseason incident when receiver Terry McLaurin felt a cheap shot was delivered to one of his offensive teammates. “Bieniemy fired an expletive warning for him to return to the huddle. McLaurin wouldn’t back down, vowing to defend his teammate” (Keim report).

Ron Rivera raised eyebrows in training camp, conveying some players had come to him about Bieniemy. Some might say Rivera, in sharing this with the media, undermined/undercut Bieniemy. That is understandable.

Media personalities and fans talked of how insignificant players, unproductive players were simply whining.

But if that were the case, why would Rivera have even batted an eye? Isn’t it more reasonable to see that it actually was respected players who came to Rivera? Because Rivera respected them, might it have even alarmed Rivera that there was already unnecessary friction in the camp?

There is no doubt Andy Reid wanted Bieniemy to land another job last offseason. Reid was openly campaigning for someone to please take him, enabling Reid the opportunity to rehire Matt Nagy as his offensive coordinator.

Bieniemy should be credited for doing a nice job with Sam Howell. He appears to have significantly helped Howell’s “growth and development.”

Just last week, Bieniemy said, “I’m never going to change who I am, “I’ve always been like this…”

Some media personalities have responded that Bieniemy is the one man with Super Bowl wins in the organization, while the rest are part of a last-place organization. So, who cares what they think?

But for Bieniemy to insist he is “never going to change?”

Isn’t it convenient to think you don’t need to change in some areas? Aren’t each of us flawed? Don’t we all have limitations, biases, and, yes, blind spots?

This season was a big opportunity for Bieniemy.

Might he have pressed too hard?

Postgame quotes following Commanders 45-15 loss to Dolphins

Some interesting postgame quotes from some of the Commanders and head coach Ron Rivera.

“They did some things better than they have been doing. I thought the linebackers were much more decisive to the football. Thought some of the young safeties did an excellent job in run fits, handling all the Jet sweeps, all the misdirection motion. But it comes back to they gave up two explosive plays. Count that with the interception touchdown, that is 21 points they basically gifted the Miami Dolphins.”  Logan Paulsen

“Probably the biggest disappointment more than anything else is we gave up the two explosives that technically we should have not. We should have been in a better position than we were and we didn’t do that.”  Ron Rivera

“When you spot 21 points to a very good football team, you’re going to struggle to win a game.” Ron Rivera

“We got to be better up front in certain areas we’ve done some good things. We do enough to move the ball, then you get a little behind and then how your opponent attacks you becomes different.” Ron Rivera

“I don’t worry about that (losing the players), I really don’t, Nicki. I mean, you know, they are professionals, they have a job to do. They’ve got four games left to play and I told them in there, I expect them to come out and do their best.”  Ron Rivera

“Guys need to finish this season strong whether for the team or individual things. Let’s be real, next year this team will not be exactly like it is. Guys are going to be moving on to other places. You want to make sure somebody’s going to want to give you an opportunity. You may want to make sure this team wants to bring you back. So, you got to go show your best.” Brian Mitchell

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks. We have to do things better offensively and it starts with me. I have to play better football…we’re getting close to the end of the season. We still got a lot to play for.” Sam Howell

“It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is. I think it is a combination of a lot of things. It’s something different every single time, but we really got to look at ourselves, watch the tape and see what we can do to get better.” Sam Howell

“It’s definitely not what we wanted to do coming into the game (Terry McLaurin no receptions). We struggled to get all of our guys involved in the game today…Terry is the best player on our offense. I got to find ways to get him the football…three targets isn’t enough for your best player.” Sam Howell

““I’ve been dealing with this for 7 years, I’m tired of trying to build character. My character is built well enough. I’m trying to win.” Jonathan Allen

JP Finlay asked, “How tough was that one today?” “About what you would expect.” Jonathan Allen

 

 

Taylor Heinicke: ‘Wentz has been helping me out a lot’

Taylor Heinicke was a guest on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.

Taylor Heinicke and Washington team dog, “Mando,” were guests Thursday on “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd.

Heinicke expressed he was told in high school he was too small to go to a big-time program so chose Old Dominion, and following his college career, he went undrafted. But here he is today the primary starter for Washington for the last two seasons, and he says it has been fun.

Heinicke again talked of growing up watching the passion, the energy of Brett Favre. “Every time I step onto that football field I feel like it might be my last play, in my last game. So I go out there and just have fun and leave it all out there.”

When speaking of teammate Terry McLaurin, Heinicke said, “He’s your pro’s pro. He carries himself in a very professional way.” Elaborating further, Heinicke said McLaurin is a leader not a diva, like too many receivers.

Herd talked of Ron Rivera being a defensive coach and perhaps not letting Heinicke try to make plays. Heinicke responded, “I’m just happy to be here. I’m not going to pressure Coach Rivera to do my thing.”

When Rivera named Heinicke the starter moving forward, Taylor felt he should have a conversation with Carson Wentz. “We sat down in the locker room and talked for about ten minutes. We have a great relationship. It’s been a great room. He has been helping me out a lot in any way he can. He sees a lot of things I don’t see.”

Mando is a military-service dog, and the players really enjoy seeing Mando at the facility. “He is a joy to be around. He has a bright future ahead of him,” said Heinicke.

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Rivera: Chase Young looking good in practice

Rivera gave updates on Chase Young, Carson Wentz and others.

When Commanders head coach Ron Rivera met with the press Thursday, he was more interested in talking about his team and the upcoming game against the NFL’s lone undefeated team the Eagles, on Monday night.

Chase Young is nearing returning to game action. “He looked good. We put him in pass rush situations to watch him and get a chance to watch him on tape a little bit more. He looked good. It’s good to see him moving around, moving as quick as he is. We’ll see how he is tomorrow morning. It will always be about the next day, how much they work them, the next morning if he is sore or not, will help dictate whether or not we will activate him or not.”

Asked if Carson Wentz would return next week from injured reserve, “We’ll see, he’s looking good. He’s going through his rehab, doing the things he is supposed to do.”

When asked if Wentz would return to the lineup upon his return, Rivera acutely replied, “You are most certainly ahead of yourself. I told you guys, we’ll play the game, and then I’ll decide when it’s time to.”

The Philly crowd will be extremely loud. “I told our younger guys, “Just take your rivalry game and ramp that up an octave or two. That is pretty much what you are going to get in Philadelphia.”

Rivera respects Eagles QB Jalen Hurts. “The young man is a heck of a football player, and he does really truly remind me of the way Cam (Newton) plays with a lot of passion.”

Regarding Terry McLaurin, Rivera likes how “he tries to understand the leverage of the routes he is running, trying to get his release in the appropriate position that gives him an opportunity to win. Also (how he) finds the hole or seam in the zone and sits down in it.”

“Terry has a tremendous catch radius, and because of that understanding positioning and how to put himself in leverage spots, he makes himself a big target.”

Jahan Doctson returned to practice Thursday. Cole Holcomb has been doing his rehab including work in the pool. Rivera said they would see how he is feeling Friday and proceed accordingly.

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Commanders Ron Rivera: ‘Well, don’t ask the question, then’

Ron Rivera knew he would be asked about more off-field stuff when he spoke to the media Thursday.

Ron Rivera met with the press Thursday and knew a particular question would be asked.

On Wednesday, the Commanders (referenced Brian Robinson being shot) in a press release responding to a civil suit that was going to be announced the following day against Daniel Snyder and the NFL, by DC Attorney General Karl Racine.

“Jason came out and made a statement last night and talked about it. Just going forward, as far as we are concerned it’s interesting. I’m being sincere.”

“We are trying to focus on what’s on the field. We can’t control that portion (off-field) of it again. What we control is the football aspect of it. What our players do, what our team does on the football field. We are going to remain focused on that.”

Rivera was understandably frustrated and admitted as much. “Yes, because it will be talked about; that’s the honest truth. To me, it’s a moot point because we control what’s on the football field. That’s what I told the players. ‘Let’s just focus on what we do, on what’s important for what we do and how we handle things’.”

“I know you guys are going to ask the question and somebody is going to ask me, ‘Well what do you think about the distractions’? Well, don’t ask the question, then. Leave him alone. You guys know how everybody feels and you know everybody is putting it out there. So let’s just focus on playing the game.”

When asked how the players reacted to Robinson being used in the statement, “When I talked to the players, the players seem to understand and be in a good place. I have an open-door policy if they want to come speak to me. I urge them to come talk to me. To date, nobody has talked to me.”

“I talked to Brian last night, and talked to him again today. Brian is in a great spot. Brian didn’t understand what the big fuss was. I have to decide whether or not this is going to get back to the players. If it’s something I feel will get back to the players, then I’ve got to address it with the guys. I do wonder about some of the reactions, the perception. So I mention it quickly ‘so you guys know what is out there. It doesn’t affect what we do on the football field, so let’s not be concerned with it. Let’s focus on playing the game’.”

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Ron Rivera confident in Commanders offense

Ron Rivera believes in Taylor Heinicke and Washington’s offense.

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera met with the media Wednesday. Here are excerpts from his comments regarding the Commanders offense.

Rivera was pleased with the return to practice of T Sam Cosmi and WR Jahan Dotson.

“It was good to see. Logan’s still off to the side, but Jahan got some reps today, looked good out on the football field. Cosmi got some reps too. He’s trying to learn how to play with the hand taped up with basically his left hand, and he actually looked pretty good.”

With Carson Wentz out for at least a few weeks, Rivera is confident that Taylor Heinicke possesses enough knowledge of the offensive system.

“You see it. Like today we had a route out there and one of the guys could have done something a little different and Taylor right away explained it to him and you see that just because of his background in this. So, he’s got a very good knowledge of it.”

Of course, every NFL coach would prefer to have a starter last a full season.

“Well, that’s what you want. You wanna be able to do that. I was fortunate to have that earlier when I was in Carolina, but the continuity’s important. And for a guy like Terry (McLaurin), especially Terry and the rapport he has and he develops with guys is tremendous because of his athletic ability and his skillset.”

Rivera likes his three running backs and the various talents they possess.

“Well, one thing I’d like to see us do is at the end of the second quarter, and into the third quarter, I really saw what we hope for and what we envisioned.  I mean that’s what these guys can all do, and they bring to the table. We’ve gotta be able to make sure we can have that kind of mix because it gives us an opportunity to really open up the offense. It’ll really help with the play-action. And I know Taylor [Heinicke] is very good at play action, so we’ve gotta be able to run the football.”

Rivera understands each quarterback has his set of strengths and weaknesses.

” Well, I see the play calling tilted more towards Taylor. It’s tailored for Taylor. I think that’s what you’ll see. I mean, to take advantage of his skill set and what he does really well.”

Heinicke doesn’t possess the size or strength of Wentz, but Rivera does like Heinicke’s overall interaction and understanding of the offense.

“The way he controls it with his teammates, the way he disseminates it and spreads it amongst his guys. I’m telling you, I see a little bit of air confidence. I really do, and I think it’s spreading to his teammates, just his overall knowledge. And I think that’s going to be an interesting thing to watch.”

Rivera is hopeful to have Jahan Dotson join the receivers for QB Taylor Heinicke:

“Again, with Jahan back and going against their secondary, which is one of the best in the league, this will be a really good challenge and it’ll be a good challenge for everybody across the board. And not just the receivers, but those tight ends. You throw those guys into the mix. And if we can sustain a running game, I think it’s going to make for a very interesting Sunday.”

Rivera likes how Dotson has played in the red zone.

“When you have a catch radius, you know, you can come up with contested balls, you present the type of target that a quarterback needs, it doesn’t matter where he throws it, he’s going to be able to go get it and protect it. And I think that’s one of the keys to his success. I think his route running because it’s very precise as well. He runs very mature routes. It’s probably a good way to put it.”

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Commanders QB Carson Wentz was unaware of Rivera’s statement and aftermath

Carson Wentz appreciated Ron Rivera’s message to him and the team, and he’s ready to move forward.

Apparently, Carson Wentz was entirely unaware that he and Coach Ron Rivera were trending Monday afternoon and evening on social media.

“So, honestly, I had no idea any of that happened until [director of football communications] Sean [DeBarbieri] over here gave me a heads up. But yeah, Coach addressed it, handled it, nothing for me that I’m overly concerned about. Coach is a very straightforward, upfront guy and he addressed it in the team meeting, which I thought was really cool and what he meant by it all. So, I feel very confident in that.”

The Eagles, Cowboys and Giants are all certainly playing at a high level right now, so why is Washington not also playing at that same high level?

“I wish I had all the answers on that. I think there’s a lot of varying factors across our division, which is obviously a very good division at this point in the season but at the same time, I know there’s a lot of ball left. We talked about it after the game, unfortunately, we kind of dug ourselves a little bit of a hole but we know where we are.”

Wentz did not want to spend too much time talking about the disadvantages of Thursday Night Football on the players.

“I don’t wanna go in depth about Thursday night football and this, that and the other. I will say it is physically by far the hardest week of the season. I mean, it is not even close in my opinion. You wake up Monday morning, you’re like, Holy crap, I gotta play in three days, you know, and it’s hard. It’s hard on our bodies.”

What is it like getting used to a new team but having a confined window for success?

“Yeah, it is a small window, you’re right. I feel very confident in the chemistry and the relationships that have been built and the bond that we have on the field. I think we’ve shown and proven some really good things. I feel very good and confident in on that front. I think for us it’s just about consistency.”

Are the setbacks happening because of a new situation and new guys on the offensive line?

“There’s always a million reasons, and you can make excuses, and for us, there’s none. We gotta execute. We gotta deliver, and I gotta do better making sure everybody’s on the same page with the communication and stuff.”

Wentz actually threw a block on Titans linebacker David Long Sunday.

“Unfortunately the guy that I blocked, he got me back at the end of the game on the last play. That’s all I remember more than anything.”

Is there anything he would have done differently on that last play on Sunday?

“I don’t think anything major. I thought coaches did a good job with clock management, deciding when we were using timeouts, those types of things. I know we had the one on the sideline that was kind of some confusion with whether the clock was winding still or not. Obviously, just wish I could have delivered a little bit differently at the end of the game there.”

How does Wentz feel about his depleted offensive line?:

“I feel super confident in those guys. They’ve done a great job, not just physically but mentally being locked in, ready to go, knowing the calls, all of those things. I do know it can be tough when you’re playing next to somebody and they go out, and then you’re trying to work together, and bullets are flying, and I know it’s tough on those guys.”

As he gets more comfortable in the offense would he like the freedom to make calls?

“I mean I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened, but at the same time, those are things that Coach [Scott] Turner’s philosophy that I’m gonna trust. You know, I’m gonna trust kind of his scheme and how he wants to do things and I’m sure the more comfortable you are, the more you can work through some of those things, but at the same time, I’m gonna trust his opinion and his advice on those things and do my job to the best of my ability.”

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Frustrated Chris Cooley has some harsh words for the Commanders

Chris Cooley was frustrated in his review of the Commanders’ 24-8 loss to the Eagles, even using the word “idiots” at one point.

Former Washington tight end Chris Cooley actually said some Commanders’ coaches were idiots.

As a guest on the “Kevin Sheehan Show” podcast Thursday, Cooley was describing what he had observed while watching the film of the Commanders’ 24-8 loss to the Eagles.

Now, in fairness to Cooley, it is not altogether certain to whom he was referring. Was he referring to offensive coordinator Scott Turner? Or head coach Ron Rivera?

Cooley marveled that the Eagles played a 3-man defensive front many times in the game. “I don’t know how teams could play this in the NFL. You are just counting on teams throwing the ball on first down…It’s a 3-4 front as  they can bail the two ends like linebackers. It’s a 3-4 front with only one linebacker. Which makes it a 3-3.”

Sheehan reacted, “Then, why didn’t they (Commanders) run against this?” To which Cooley responded, “Because they’re idiots. I don’t know. They actually ran the ball ok, when they ran the ball. (But) they could never commit to it.”

You could hear in Cooley; it was in exasperation he called them idiots. Because he quickly countered, “I don’t know.”

After explaining the defensive alignment and its basic coverage Cooley said “I don’t know if he ever really saw it. And I don’t know why they kept calling play-action against it. I don’t know if Wentz saw it, I don’t know if Turner saw it.”

Cooley sounded passionate that they repeatedly attempted play-action passes when he pointed to a particular play where the offensive line did not sell run at all. He said they should initially have low helmets, low pads, but didn’t, so the Eagles knew it was a pass right away. He then said, “If that’s the case they should abort the fake because it only takes Wentz’s eyes off of the field.”

Sheehan then asked, “If Scott Turner (offensive coordinator) had adjusted, he would have adjusted to what?”

Cooley succinctly replied, “I am fine with some short-pass stuff.” Then he pointed out a play early where Terry McLaurin was in a single coverage by the Eagles. Yet, Wentz ate the ball and thus the sack. “McLaurin was open; just throw him the ball…That is what you want, one-on-one with Terry.”

There is much, much more here is the full show link.

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