Getty Image / Greg Fiume
Washington Commanders fans got a big gift this offseason when hated owner Daniel Snyder sold the team to a group of investors led by Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris. But, they now want another big change, as they almost unanimously want head coach Ron Rivera fired following a dismal performance against the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football.
Despite coming into the game around a touchdown favorite at home against the 0-4 Chicago Bears, the Washington Commanders and Ron Rivera laid a complete egg, losing 40-20.
The first half was especially bad. After multiple secondary busts, the Commanders were down 17-0 just a few minutes into the second quarter. When the dust settled, it was 27-3 heading into half, with the Bears having scored on each drive in the first half.
Chicago blew a big second half lead last week to the Denver Broncos, and it looked like for a while that they may blow it again. The Commanders went right down the field and scored a touchdown and a two-point conversion to make it 27-11 early in the third quarter. And, later in the quarter, they drove deep into Bears territory. Facing a 4th and 2 following a miraculous nine-yard scramble by quarterback Sam Howell at the Bears’ 13, Ron Rivera bizarrely decided to kick a field goal to turn a two score game into a… two score game. Yikes. They made the kick, but that seemed to completely stop their momentum in its tracks. A missed field goal at 30-20 with 5:14 left in the fourth quarter effectively ended their comeback hopes. It’s truly an embarrassing loss, as the Bears were considered by many to be the worst team in football so far this year.
And, Commanders fans want Ron Rivera gone. The fourth-year head coach has yet to have a winning season with the team, and his record now stands at 24-30-1. This is not a team devoid of talent, especially on defense. They should be better than this. They’ve now lost three straight after a 2-0 start, and the repeated questionable calls by Ron Rivera are wearing on Commanders fans.
Ron Rivera conservative actions ealier cost us this game. We deserve to lose and he deserves to be fired. I can't defend him no more his actions caused us a playoffs spot by benching Heinicke for Wentz. Didn't go for 2 against the Eagles and was too conservative in this game when… pic.twitter.com/LVQtZGmJ5U
— Redwolves4thQTCOMEBACK?? (@Lennyfrigginleo) October 6, 2023
Without Snyder as a scapegoat, Ron Rivera's entire operation has been exposed. The deeper issue….Ron should have never been given this much control.
— Disco (@discoque5) October 6, 2023
There are hundreds of tweets like this. You get the point. Bottom line, next week’s game at the Falcons may be a must-win for Ron Rivera’s job, and the team’s season.