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Ron Rivera has had a tough time in Washington this season. The head coach is now catching even more flak for not knowing his team’s path to getting into the playoffs.
On Sunday, he was asked about the possibility of playing reserve quarterbacks should the Commanders get eliminated from postseason contention. He had no idea that elimination was a possibility.
Here was his response in that postgame presser.
Reporter: “If you guys are eliminated today by what happens at 4 PM, is Sam Howell in consideration [for snaps]?”
Ron Rivera: “We can be eliminated?”
Reporter: “Yeah, if the Packers beat the Vikings, then you guys are eliminated.”
Fans immediately took off with the comments, posting reactions online. They were not kind to the Washington leader.
One notable NFL account wrote, “This is REALLY bad, like REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY bad.” Another person said, “I am absolutely dumbfounded.”
The Commanders have struggled under Ron Rivera, and some of his calls from the sidelines have led to criticism. This year, there’s been a never-ending quarterback carousel with Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke. Neither has been the answer, leading to a 7-8-1 record and last place spot in the NFC East.
There have also been feuds with the media and tantrums thrown as folks continue to question his leadership.
Now, those questions about his job security will continue to come up as the Packers blew out the Vikings 41-17 to effectively end Washington’s slim playoff hopes. They’ve now ensured themselves to be the only team in the division without a winning record following a Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Related: Ron Rivera makes final decision on Carson Wentz situation and fans are not happy