The Washington Commanders need a winning season from Ron Rivera to ensure he's still the coach in 2024. Having not finished above .500 and with outlets predicting Rivera to be fired midseason, it's win now.
The Commanders have a roster built to win and Eric Bieniemy now on staff, but a grueling NFC East schedule pits the team in a tough spot. So what will it take to surprise the league and compete?
Ruthlessness, according to Fansided which says the Commanders have to take big risks for big rewards this fall. The outlet asserts that Rivera has been conservative during his D.C. tenure.
"To say this needs to change when competitive action commences once again in 2023 would be an understatement," Fansided wrote. "Washington cannot afford to be tentative and take the safe approach in key moments - going bold and executing with far greater effectiveness is the only way Rivera is going to enhance his own job prospects under Josh Harris' ownership group."
To translate that final line: Rivera's chances of staying with the Commanders for years to come hinge on his willingness to gamble. He has to push the envelope, and a laidback style won't cut it in this division.
For this team to get from mediocre to playoff-bound, there has to be a new edge, a culture of courage.
"That is exactly what the Commanders need heading into such a critical season. But anything less than a ruthless attitude across the board could come with obvious and serious ramifications attached," Fansided said.
Washington has a playoff-caliber squad and possibly the best offensive coordinator in the NFL, so points can't be left on the board and there's no room for playing not to lose.
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