Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Carson Wentz, Curtis Samuel and Sam Howell

Commanders HC Ron Rivera on shaky ground

Ron Rivera is under no illusions regarding his job status heading into the 2023 season. An indifferent first three years in the role means the pressure is on to make improvements, which will increase exponentially once the Washington Commanders fall into different ownership at some stage before Week 1.

Rivera's focused on the football side despite being restricted in terms of acquisitions and contract extensions. But that won't hold much weight when the time to sit down with Josh Harris' ownership group comes if things don't go well over the first few weeks.

When discussing head coaches on some shaky ground next season, Rivera unsurprisingly made the list published by Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports. However, the writer's reasoning had nothing to do with the sale - but rather the lack of quarterback stability that threatens his position above all else.

"You can't question [Ron] Rivera's leadership, the way he's willingly embraced a polarizing franchise and at least kept Washington in the wild-card mix. His trademark defensive flourishes have also produced a perpetually stingy D-line. But like previous regimes, he's cycled through mid-tier QB rentals; it's the chief reason he's gone 51-58, with zero playoff wins, since his peak with the Panthers in 2015. Now, in a loaded division, he's asking 2022 fifth-rounder Sam Howell, or journeyman Jacoby Brissett, to carry the load."

- Cody Benjamin, CBS Sports

Rivera is likely getting his future employment aspirations with the Commanders on Howell's production. If it all works out, he'll look like a genius. If not, then Harris and his team of investors won't hesitate to go in a different direction.