Did Alex Smith throw shade at Commanders head coach Ron Rivera?

Did former Washington Commanders quarterback Alex Smith throw shade at Ron Rivera for his inability to successfully develop players under center?

Aside from lucking into Cam Newton during his time with the Carolina Panthers, head coach Ron Rivera hasn't enjoyed the best track record when it comes to quarterbacks. Something that must change during a critical upcoming campaign for the Washington Commanders in 2023.

After speculation to the contrary, Rivera went through with his intent to start Sam Howell in 2023. While this could go either way given the former fifth-round pick's lack of experience, the decision also comes with significant intrigue after the Commanders brought Eric Bieinemy into the fold from the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason.

Bieniemy is the key to unlocking Howell's potential. The intangibles are there for all to see, it's just a case of fine-tuning and putting the signal-caller in comfortable positions to smooth his transition.

Alex Smith's comments should hit home for Commanders

How much input Rivera will have remains to be seen. But based on comments made by former Commanders quarterback Alex Smith on SiriusXM NFL Radio via Pro Football Talk, having a defensive coach meddling does far more harm than good to a young quarterback's development.

"There is a different mentality, from my career, when you play for an offensive head coach that wants to light up the scoreboard and outscore the opponent. There’s a different mentality you have, especially as a young quarterback versus a defensive head coach, when really the [coach’s] mentality is ‘Hey, don’t screw up, don’t turn the ball over, don’t put us in a bad situation.’ . . . That’s a huge difference in a mentality and a mindset for a young quarterback, especially if it’s a bit rocky to start."

- Alex Smith via Pro Football Talk

While this was primarily directed at Robert Saleh and his ineffective management of Zach Wilson, one could also make a strong case for Smith's strong comments also applying to Rivera. He is a defensive coach without any real track record of progressing young signal-callers aside from Newton, who was an outlier at the position and arguably the best dual-threat quarterback of all time.

Whether Smith's tirade was throwing shade at Rivera or not is irrelevant, in all honesty. The Commanders and their head coach cannot do anything about past mistakes - they must focus all their attention on making sure Howell enjoys far better fortunes under center.

Given how much is on the line for Rivera next season with the pending introduction of Josh Harris' ownership group, he's betting his job on Howell becoming the productive quarterback this team's craved for years. And even that might not be enough if there is a clash in vision between the coach and Washington's new investment team.

In truth, Rivera should stay out of the way where Howell is concerned. He'll be kept informed of progress and evaluate film, obviously, but allowing Bieniemy and quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard a sense of freedom to mold the North Carolina product as they see fit represents the best course of action.

Smith is right to a certain extent about defensive-minded guys and their lack of developmental traits at football's most prestigious position. Fortunately for Rivera and the Commanders, they have an offensive guru and head coach-in-waiting available to pick up the slack.

Something that could make a massive difference to Howell when push comes to shove.