4 major factors that could jeopardize Commanders playoff hopes in 2023

Ron Rivera cannot handle increased Commanders pressure

As stated previously, Ron Rivera could be on the hottest seat in football once Dan Snyder sells the Washington Commanders. Any new owner or ownership group will be keen to make an immediate splash – one that could start with a change in direction at the head coaching position if things don’t go according to plan immediately.

Rivera is an experienced figure who’s handled something similar with the Carolina Panthers. Such uncertainty hasn’t made things easy this offseason as Snyder becomes unwilling to spend any more of his own cash with a sale agreed in principle, which is a harsh hand for the coach to be dealt heading into Year 4 of his reign.

As the old saying goes, pressure breaks pipes. Rivera has the full support of those within the locker room, but remaining focused on the collective goal rather than worrying about his individual status is the only way Washington can attain success in 2023.

Sitting down with the owners to discuss his vision is likely to happen soon after something becomes concrete. If there is a personality clash between the pair, then there’s only one loser in this particular equation.

For now, Rivera is keeping things football-related and worrying about the rest later. And who knows, perhaps the extra sense of urgency across the board is exactly what the Commanders need to make a playoff return in 2023.