Would Commanders owe past coach a Super Bowl ring if they win?

Will the Washington Commanders really owe coach Ron Rivera a Super Bowl ring if their surprising success continues?

“If we go 8-8-1 this year,” said Rivera at the 2023 season start, “and (owner Josh Harris) fires me and next year they win the division and 40 of the 53 players we drafted and it’s the same quarterback, I’m vindicated. Send me my Super Bowl ring.”

Well, Washington finished 4-13 last season, traded quarterback Sam Howell and fired Rivera. As for the 40 players, maybe we misheard him. Perhaps Rivera said four, not 40, because that’s nearly what’s left of playmakers.

It’s not a bad quartet, though. Cornerback Quan Martin scored on a pick-six to launch Washington past the Detroit Lions on Jan. 28 and into the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991. Running back Brian Robinson has been a steady backfield presence. Guard Sam Cosmi anchored the offensive line until suffering a season-ending knee injury against Detroit. Receiver Dyami Brown has been the surprise of the playoffs with 11 catches and one touchdown in two games.

But that’s about it for playmakers and why Rivera is gone. The Commanders’ remarkable turnaround from 4-13 to 14-5 this season has been fueled by newcomers.

Only 14 players from Rivera’s four-year tenure remain with Washington. The team flipped the opening-day roster 60 percent – its largest one-year move since 1945 – with turnover eventually reaching 74 percent thanks to injuries and further moves. Incoming Washington general manager Adam Peters dispatched three Rivera first-rounders, trading Jahan Dotson to Philadelphia and cutting Jamin Davis and Emmanuel Forbes.

Rivera’s ineptitude, finishing with eight straight losses, even led to the No. 2 overall pick which turned into quarterback Jayden Daniels – who looks like a franchise cornerstone after leading the team to the NFC Championship Game as a rookie.

So maybe Rivera merits his second Super Bowl ring after being a member of the 1985 Chicago Bears. It may come wrapped in a black ribbon, but somehow Rivera’s failure helped the Commanders get where he couldn’t take them – to success.