Washington Commanders' Ron Rivera Describes 'Different Feeling' with 3-4 Record
For the second consecutive season, coach Ron Rivera and the Washington Commanders are 3-4 after the first seven games.
The record was reached in different ways, with last year's team starting 1-4 before winning six of its next seven. This season, Washington won two, last three, won another and lost another, putting itself on unsteady ground.
As such, the feeling surrounding the Commanders is different ... but Rivera thinks it's in a good way, thanks to second-year quarterback Sam Howell.
“It does (feel different) because with the young quarterback, I really think there's hope, there's an opportunity," Rivera said Monday. "The young man has given us opportunities to win some of these games that a lot of people felt we couldn't."
Howell, 23, has completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 1,749 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions while being sacked a league-high 40 times. He's on pace to take a record 97 sacks this season.
There have been highs and lows with the 2022 fifth-round pick, but Rivera likes what he's seen so far and will continue backing him moving forward.
Ron Rivera holds a record of 25-31-1 through three and a half seasons as head coach of the Washington Commanders.
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Rivera was also quick to point out that Washington's been in games it's lost, such as a 37-34 overtime defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles and this past Sunday's 14-7 loss against the New York Giants.
While still acknowledging 3-4 is the reality of Washington's season, Rivera couldn't help but ponder where things would be if his team had sneaked out those one-score defeats.
"Who knows, a couple things go our way in those two games, and we have a completely different conversation going," Rivera said. "But the truth of the matter is that's not where we are right now and I get that. But as long as we have that young quarterback and he's growing and developing and we as a team play consistent, complementary football, we have a chance."
Internal frustration may have reached a boiling point after Sunday's loss to the Giants, when Commanders defensive lineman Jonathan Allen made headlines for saying he was "(bleeping) tired of this (bleep)."
So, what needs to change?
Rivera admitted it starts with him - but he wants to see all-around improvement as much mentally as on the field.
"We just have to be accountable for what's happened right now and step up, develop, grow, and recognize their mistakes and correct those things," Rivera said. "And that's on me. It starts with me. And I get that. Believe me, I've been doing this for a long time, and I'll continue to do it as best as I can.”
Can Washington replicate last year's midseason hot streak and turn its year around?
Only time will tell - but the first opportunity to do exactly that comes Sunday, when the Commanders host the Eagles at 1 p.m. EST inside FedEx Field.
