Commanders’ Ron Rivera to upset players: Not only ones frustrated،
ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera said that when he encounters players who express frustration, he reminds them that their feelings are not unique.
“I tell them up front: You’re not the only ones who are frustrated,” Rivera said. “Let's be honest. There are a lot of people working really hard.”
The Commanders (4-9) have lost nine of their last 11 games, including the last two by a total of 65 points against Dallas and Miami. They entered the season with optimism that, under new owner Josh Harris and in Rivera's fourth season, they would show progress after posting an 8-8-1 record last season.
On the contrary, the opposite happened. Washington has already fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and secondary coach Brent Vieselmeyer, and Harris will decide Rivera's fate after the season, according to multiple sources.
Washington, which has a bye on Sunday, must still play against the Los Angeles Rams (6-6), winners of three games in a row; hosting San Francisco (9-3) and Dallas (9-3); and playing the New York Jets on Christmas Eve.
Rivera has spoken often this season about growth and development, hoping to come up with a strong finish. But they are going in the wrong direction. Their defense ranks last in points and 30th in yards. The offense ranks 21st in points and 16th in yards.
“It's tough, it's tough,” Rivera said of the situation in Washington, “and it's going to be tough. It is what it is. You can't say much about development and growth; There's not much you can say about the There's a certain point where you come every year and say, this is the time, let's do it. I mean, the process is now, and the time is right. So, let's see what we can do.
Washington players expressed that frustration after Sunday's 45-10 loss to Miami, dropping the Commanders to 1-5 at home. Four of those losses were by double digits.
“I've been dealing with this for seven years,” Washington defensive tackle Jonathan Allen said. “I'm tired of trying to build my character. My character is built enough, I'm trying to win.
Meanwhile, receiver Terry McLaurin was held without a catch for only the second time in his career. Afterwards, when asked if he was frustrated, McLaurin replied: “No, I did a lot of cardio. … Yes, it's frustrating, but I'm going to keep coming, training and playing hard. I'm not going to do it. I stopped just because I’m frustrated.”
As players and staff question their future in Washington, Rivera said he believes the players have the right mindset to finish strong. He preached that message to the team on Monday.
“We have four [games] “I expect everyone to be a professional and do their job.”
