In Sunday’s loss to the NFL-best Eagles, Ron Rivera’s Commanders flinched again and fell short of their potential.
Commanders Coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Sam Howell watch fourth-quarter action during Sunday's loss to the Eagles. In July 2020, during his first day of training camp with the Washington Commanders, Coach Ron Rivera was asked if the defensive line, with five first-round draft picks, could be elite. He noted the players were young and that they had to learn a new scheme, and he tempered his enthusiasm with a word that has come to define his tenure.
More so than anything else, “potential” has described Rivera’s teams. This season was supposed to be about fixing the roster’s weaknesses and fortifying strengths to build around a promising young quarterback. It was supposed to be aboutincluded bright spots overshadowed by letdowns — some surprising and others all too familiar .
That might be the best summation so far of the Rivera era. Every year, Washington overcomes a slow start with a midseason surge, but it flinches down the stretch. In 2021 and 2022, even though the team put itself in playoff position, it went winless in four straight games to be eliminated before a meaningless victory in Week 18. It’s hard,In the locker room Sunday, there were no outbursts, no tears, no cursing. It was quiet, the players seemingly seething or sullen.
Some veterans, including McLaurin, were less sunny. Perhaps they have been hardened by time or, specifically for McLaurin, by the rare circumstance of being part of the problem. He said no matter how much progress the team shows, it doesn’t matter unless it’s consistent and sustained over four quarters.
“It’s still going to come down to critical plays in the NFL,” he added. “The teams that figure out how to make those plays win those games.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Are the Eagels elevating any players for Sunday’s game against the Commanders?The Eagles made their decision on if they were going to elevate any players from the practice squad for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders.
Read more »
Commanders' trade deadline plan hinges on Eagles game, sources sayThe Commanders' decision of whether to trade players like Chase Young and Montez Sweat is expected to be influenced by Sunday's game against the Eagles, sources told ESPN.
Read more »
How to watch today's Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders NFL game: livestream options, starting timeWatch the Washington Commanders try to upset the 6-1 Philadelphia Eagles in an early game today.
Read more »
How to Watch the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders Today: Week 8 Game Time, Live StreamThe Philadelphia Eagles face the Washington Commanders for the second time this season. Here's how to watch the game.
Read more »
Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Commanders Line MovementPhiladelphia Eagles vs Washington Commanders
Read more »