WASHINGTON — Washington Commanders Head Coach Ron Rivera has two weeks left. The team's dismal season continued Sunday with a 30-28 loss to the New York Jets.
For the second straight week, Quarterback Sam Howell was pulled in the second half for eight-year vet Jacoby Brissett. Howell went six for 22 for 56 yards and also threw two interceptions. Rivera is well aware of the struggles.
"I think the hard part for him more than anything else, really has been who we've played in the last four weeks…. I mean, the four top defenses. And it was tough," Rivera said. "It was a struggle. And, you know, It, there's a lot of learning that's going on right now. And, you know, we've got to go ahead and assess.”
The Commanders offense was abysmal in the first half. Interception, blocked punt, fumbled pun return, it just wouldn't stop. But the Head Coach wasn't done looking for positives.
"What you're hoping is your leadership steps up, and they did, and it was it was awesome to see," Rivera explains. "It really was, you know, on the defensive side, watching John Allen and Darren Payne, Cam Curl, Cody. Jacoby Brissett brought the team to the brink of victory."
The team's final two games of the season will be against two playoff-bound teams, Dallas and San Francisco. The Niners are next week, with former Commander Chase Young now the enemy. I asked the coach about how the offense should know how to attack Young since they know him. With a wink, Rivera said, "Well, we know Chase and you know it was good to have had him here and now he's got a chance in San Francisco."
I have to admit, it didn't feel very warm.
WUSA9 will sit down with Commanders Head Coach Ron Rivera every Monday throughout the 2023-2024 season. The one-on-one moments will premiere on WUSA9 at 5, 6 and 11 p.m. and again on Get Up DC every Tuesday morning. The full interview between Rivera and Chick Hernandez will be available on WUSA9+