After the Washington Commanders’ Week 5 embarrassment at the hands of the Chicago Bears on primetime television, I said to myself, “It doesn’t get much worse than that.”
Well, apparently, it does.
A 1-5 Giants team averaging 12.1 points per game on offense and 24.9 points per game on defense completely shut down a Commanders squad that was supposed to take major strides this year with the addition of former Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and weapons such as Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Brian Robinson. Instead, the Commanders were held to seven total points, went 1-for-15 on third down, and totaled 273 yards on offense, all while letting young quarterback Sam Howell get sacked six times. That brings his season sack total to an NFL-worst 40.
Ron Rivera's full answer when asked by @BenStandig if he plans to start Sam Howell the rest of the season: pic.twitter.com/5bGpDgFO5I
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 23, 2023
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Surely, the defense played well if they only allowed 14 points.” Right? Wrong!
This Giants team was led by backup journeyman quarterback Tyrod Taylor along with an offensive line missing four starters. The unit totaled 356 yards, which is their second-highest mark this season (second to the Cardinals, of all teams). Washington’s defense logged just four sacks in the effort.
As a Commanders fan, I don’t speak alone when I say this team needs some serious coaching changes. Unfortunately, Ron Rivera is completely over his skis in the offensive-focused NFL. It seems as though he is unable to make any in-game adjustments and develop a proper game plan. Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio cannot seem to figure out the team’s secondary issues after four seasons. Offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy has also been a major disappointment, though I’ll begrudgingly give him the benefit of the doubt as he has only coached this roster for seven games.
It’s very clear that it is time for some immediate change in Washington. Players are growing extremely frustrated and we know this never leads to anything good. They will force trades or test free agency.
#Commanders DT Jonathan Allen is pissed off as the losses keep on mounting. F-bombs galore…
(🎥 @JPFinlayNBCS)
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 22, 2023
Washington took a major step this past offseason as it moved on from toxic owner Dan Snyder and welcomed a new ownership group. Now, it’s now time to do something similar with coaching and focus on the important matter: the product on the field.
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