2 key observations from Ron Rivera’s training camp presser

By the time this story is published, the Washington Commanders will have just wrapped their first practice of training camp. Players reported on Tuesday and Ron Rivera launched the annual camp with his introductory press conference.

The big takeaway was the lengthy injury report, unfortunately, as Chase Young, Logan Thomas, Chase Roullier and Tyler Larsen will all open camp on the PUP list. Additionally, Cornelius Lucas was placed on the active/non-football injury list.

Those injuries obviously dampen the mood, but Rivera was largely upbeat while addressing the media. The third-year head coach fielded questions for upwards of 20 minutes, so let’s highlight a few key takeaways shall we?

2 observations from Commanders HC Ron Rivera’s presser

The Commanders could sign a linebacker.

At this point, every Commanders fan is aware of the team’s limitations at linebacker. The hope is Jamin Davis will make a leap in Year 2, but banking on that to happen is a huge roll of the dice. Even if Davis shows improvement, the options behind the Kentucky product and Cole Holcomb leave a lot to be desired.

Predictably enough, Rivera was asked about the team’s pursuit (or lack thereof) of a linebacker and his response will likely resonate with fans. The head coach is going to assess the first week of practices before determining if reinforcements are needed. He expressed a similar sentiment about the Buffalo nickel position.

The free agent market is all but dried up at this stage of the offseason, but the Commanders have reportedly inquired about Anthony Barr. As a do-it-all linebacker, Barr would be a worthwhile addition to the defense. Other players still available include Jamie Collins, Kwon Alexander, Joe Schobert and Jaylon Smith.

With nearly $13.5 million in remaining cap space, Washington has the requisite wiggle room to make it happen. Watch this space.

Rivera rebuffs playoffs-or-bust narrative.

Coming off back-to-back seven-win seasons, Commanders fans are expecting the team to show marked improvements in 2022. Those expectations may vary from fan to fan, but the consensus opinion is this roster should make the playoffs.

Entering a pivotal Year 3 at the helm, Rivera can’t afford another losing season. Despite that, though, the two-time AP Coach of the Year rejected the notion that this year is “playoffs-or-bust” for his squad, saying “No. No, it’s not. It’s fair to say we expect to win. And we’ll leave it at that.”

Credit it Rivera for playing this close to the vest, but just because he doesn’t view this season as playoffs or failure doesn’t mean fans aren’t, especially with one of the easiest schedules and a weaker division and conference.

No head coach should put that kind of pressure on his team, but the fact Rivera expects to win should appease fans appetites … even though most of them would’ve liked to see the 60-year-old express a little more confidence.