The Washington Commanders finished the 2022 season with a record of 8-8-1. That’s a one-game improvement over head coach Ron Rivera’s first two years as head coach.
However, despite the season-ending 26-6 blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys, it was a disappointing finish for the Commanders. On Nov. 27, Washington was 7-5 and in an excellent position to finish the season in the playoffs. Instead, the Commanders went 0-3-1 in their next four games and were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 17.
Regardless of how you want to explain that one, it’s inexcusable. Had the Commanders won at least one of those two games over the New York Giants, they would likely have made the playoffs.
With Washington’s late-season woes in mind, how did Rivera grade out in 2022?
Barry Wilner of The 33rd Team graded all 32 NFL head coaches for their performances in 2022. Surprisingly, Rivera is one of two coaches to earn a B- grade, along with Mike McDaniel of the Dolphins, who made the playoffs.
Rivera deserves kudos for doing his best in a messy organization. But the inability to figure out the QB quandary and a few bad defeats drop his mark.
There is truth here. Rivera is the ultimate leader. The players believe in him. One issue, though, is the slow starts. In three years, the Commanders have gotten off to a slow start each season. Also, that final stretch was brutal. Everything was in front of Washington, and for whatever reason, the Commanders failed.
Something else to note, no coach has had to deal with the issues Rivera has battled off the field. Washington’s ownership mess has been a disaster that Rivera and the players have had to constantly deal with.
One problem with Rivera is separating the coach from the personnel man. Keep in mind, while Martin Mayhew is the general manager in title, Rivera hired him. He has the final say. The Carson Wentz trade went as expected.
After the season, Rivera fired offensive coordinator Scott Turner. With a new owner likely soon, the pressure is on Rivera to nail the offensive coordinator hire and make the playoffs in 2023.
One more item to remember about Rivera, in 12 seasons as an NFL head coach, he has just three winning seasons.
