Commanders news: Caleb Williams, Dan Quinn, name change and Ron Rivera
Exploring the latest Commanders news and rumors from around the media.
By Dean Jones
Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines ahead of the first set of on-field drills at the NFL Scouting Combine?
Adam Peters and Dan Quinn will be watching closely as prospects begin looking to raise their respective draft stocks during drills and tests at the NFL Scouting Combine from today. The Washington Commanders are armed and dangerous when it comes to assets this offseason. Some difficult decisions are upcoming, but this is a good chance for the new power couple to lay down a marker and do things the right way at long last.
While we wait for further developments, the stories accumulating column inches include Quinn's desire for the quarterback position, Caleb Williams on the prospect of being drafted by his boyhood team, how previous head coach Ron Rivera was viewed by his players, and Jason Wright throws cold water on an immediate name change.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders players criticize Ron Rivera
It came as no surprise to see the Washington Commanders come dead last overall in the annual NFLPA survey. This has been almost guaranteed after a lack of significant investment off the field and complete failings on it. Something Josh Harris' ownership group is looking to change as part of their ambitious plans for the future.
The survey also highlighted what players truly thought of recently fired head coach Ron Rivera. He received a C grade overall - ranked ahead of only Josh McDaniels. This came thanks in no small part to the players' perception of not having their opinions heard as another campaign spiraled out of control.
"Only 76% of players feel that former head coach Ron Rivera was efficient with their time (26th overall). The players feel that Ron Rivera was somewhat willing to listen to the locker room (27th overall)."
- NFLPA Survey
This was a damning indictment of the culture Rivera became so proud of before he was deemed surplus to requirements. Hopefully, it can be rectified by Dan Quinn and his highly impressive staff.