Who were the big winners and losers from an embarrassing loss for the Washington Commanders versus the Chicago Bears in Week 5?
The Washington Commanders were heavily favored to get themselves back to winning ways on primetime against the Chicago Bears. But the sportsbooks and analysts got it wrong as Ron Rivera's men were steamrolled in front of a sold-out crowd at FedEx Field.
This was an absolute disaster almost from start to finish. Washington's offense galvanized everyone after the half-time break, but a missed Joey Slye field goal and yet more defensive failure put pay to any slim hope the Commanders had of salvaging something from the clash.
Some extreme soul-searching is needed as the Commanders now embark on their mini-bye week. Big changes could be coming and the pressure is increasing on Rivera to get things right in pursuit of seeing out his contract under Josh Harris' ownership group.
It was a difficult watch, for the most part. But who were the big winners and losers from Washington's torrid defeat against the Bears in Week 5?
Loser No. 1
Joey Slye - Carolina Panthers K
As previously stated, it looked like the Washington Commanders were on course to make it a one-possession game in the second half. Sam Howell and Eric Bieniemy had figured things out and moved the ball impressively, but their newfound momentum was brought to a complete halt by kicker Joey Slye.
The inconsistent veteran missed a critical field goal attempt that sapped the life out of FedEx Field. It also breathed new life into the Chicago Bears, who pulled away soon after to put the result beyond all doubt.
This has been the tale for Slye from the moment he stepped onto an NFL field. Ron Rivera's loyalty to the player stemming from their time together on the Carolina Panthers is commendable, but this might be the final straw.
Winner No. 1
Sam Howell - Commanders QB
For all the doom and gloom surrounding another woeful home outing from the Washington Commanders, there was one positive to take. The second-half showing by quarterback Sam Howell, to be precise.
It was a difficult opening for Howell through no real fault of his own. Two stalled drives and the Chicago Bears coming out all guns blazing put the signal-caller in a hole he was unable to get out of despite his best efforts after the half-time interval.
Howell didn't have a running game to call upon given the hefty deficit, but he saw the field well, made things happen on the move, and was largely accurate at all three levels. This resulted in 388 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a passer rating of 99.1.
At least Howell looks the part. The same cannot be said for the offensive line and a defensive unit that came into the campaign as supposedly vaunted, but fans can relax safe in the knowledge they finally have someone under center capable of making things happen.
Of course, the result is all that matters. Howell takes no solace from his own personal performance when the team is struggling to put a consistent run of results together, with the former fifth-round pick stating after the game that it must be a collective effort to put things right.
Easier said than done, obviously. But it's a testament to Howell's improving leadership that he's taking this approach when in all honesty, he's being let down.
Loser No. 2
Jack Del Rio - Commanders DC
Before the season, many pundits and fans predicted the Washington Commanders' defense to be among the league's best. The talent at all three levels coupled with secondary additions and the return of defensive end Chase Young dictated improvements, but it's been a complete letdown through the first five weeks.
The defensive scheme implemented by Jack Del Rio is borderline archaic and not in keeping with the modern-day NFL. The Chicago Bears were missing some prominent offensive linemen and still had their way, gaining what they wanted against the run and thanks to D.J. Moore, accumulated substantial profitability through the air.
It seemed as if Del Rio had one intent once again. Rushing four, dropping seven back in Cover 2 zone, and hoping for the best. When the coordinator did go with man coverage on the outside, the wrong guy was on Moore, who took full advantage en route to a career night.
This is nothing short of coaching malpractice. Del Rio's complete reluctance to move with the times and adjust to counteract specific opposition threats is holding this team back - whether it's enough for Ron Rivera to pull the trigger for change is another matter.
If this was a one-off for Del Rio, he could be excused. But the man watched Emmanuel Forbes get burned constantly by A.J. Brown last weekend and thought it was beneficial to stack the confidence-ridden rookie cornerback against D.J. Moore in the hope of different results.
Rivera's seat is warming with every loss. If the head coach does decide to go bold with his alterations, Del Rio could be the sacrificial lamb.
Loser No. 3
Cody Barton - Commanders LB
I'm getting pretty tired of writing about subpar performances from Cody Barton. The free-agent signing has been a complete abomination through five weeks, displaying inept traits in key areas that leave a gaping hole at the defensive second level.
The Washington Commanders are struggling to contain the run despite displaying four-man fronts for the most part. Barton's lack of gap discipline and anticipation are primary factors behind his poor production, which is matched by indifferent closing speed to the point of attack in pursuit of the runner.
And as for his coverage capabilities? The less said about that, the better.
That is a dangerous combination and something that cannot continue. The Commanders aren't blessed with an abundance of options at the linebacker position after the unit was once again completely ignored by those in power this offseason, but how much worse could the likes of Khaleke Hudson or Jabril Cox be looking at how Barton is currently performing?
Washington's defense has been a major underachievement so far. Barton might be the worst of the bunch, so the player must raise his performance levels exponentially if Ron Rivera somehow overlooks the last five games and continues with the former third-round selection out of Utah.
Looking at his current form, that appears highly unlikely.
Loser No. 4
Ron Rivera - Commanders HC
Things were looking so promising for the Washington Commanders over the opening fortnight. Even after their second-straight loss at the Philadelphia Eagles, there were plenty of encouraging signs to bring forward into the team's primetime clash despite the complications of a short week.
What transpired on Thursday Night Football at FedEx Field was a catastrophe. Josh Harris, Mark Ein, and Magic Johnson were all in attendance, with the former NBA icon outlining his feelings on social media in no uncertain terms in the immediate aftermath of such a disappointing loss.
All this points to the pressure mounting on Ron Rivera, The head coach is clearly having trouble motivating his players into starting games effectively - something that's bringing additional complications as the game goes on.
Rivera commented during his half-time interview that he said nothing at the break. Instead, he left it to his players to figure things out on their own - an incredible statement considering he should have read them the riot act before they got at each other.
Once Harris' ownership group bought the Commanders from Dan Snyder, Rivera's seat became the hottest in football. This cooled off slightly after two wins to start 2023, but it's warming up with every poor result and unless the figurehead takes action in some capacity, fingers will continue to point in his direction.
All hope is not lost just yet. But the margin for error is quickly going from slim to non-existent heading into Washington's game at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6.
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