5 winners and losers from Commanders 2023 training camp Week 1

Ron Rivera - Commanders HC

Ron Rivera is a man reborn.

The Washington Commanders' head coach looks like a completely different figure to the man who had to cope with almost everything team-related over his first three years at the helm. This took its toll - especially considering Rivera's health complications - but there's an added spring in his step that's been hard not to notice over the first week of training camp.

Rivera's energy is being felt across the practice field, during his time speaking to the media, and in terms of motivating his players. The respected figure is also integrating himself more into the football side of things as Josh Harris' ownership group looks to immediately ease the burden.

Whether this will bring about improved results when it counts remains to be seen. But it won't hurt whatsoever and Rivera will be given every chance to prove his worth before Harris and his wealthy team of investors contemplate widespread changes.

For all the team's struggles, Rivera's never lost the locker room. They know the strain he was under during the previous owner's catastrophic final few years in charge, so it's been a refreshing change of pace to see the coach smiling broadly rather than adopting body language that didn't necessarily inspire those around him.

Rivera is back to being a football coach rather than a PR fire extinguisher. And the Commanders could benefit greatly in 2023 as a result.