Which Washington Commanders' news stories are hitting the headlines as the franchise continues to examine the wreckage of their Thursday night beatdown?
The anger has turned to disappointment among Washington Commanders fans following their humiliating loss at home to the Chicago Bears with the primetime audience watching. This has led to finger-pointing and calls for change, which only increases the pressure on head coach Ron Rivera to turn this around after hopes were high just a few short weeks ago.
Washington has some real soul-searching to navigate before preparations ramp up for their next challenge at the Atlanta Falcons. Until then, the stories generating column inches include Ron Rivera on the prospect of alterations, Chase Young leaping to the defense of his coach, Brian Robinson Jr.'s support system, and Sam Howell's eagerness.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr.'s support system
Aside from becoming a non-factor on Thursday night after the Washington Commanders dug themselves into yet another early hole, running back Brian Robinson Jr. has enjoyed a decent start to the campaign. He looks explosive, has the balance needed to absorb contact and keep churning out extra yards, and looks every bit the lead backfield presence everyone associated with the team hoped when they selected him out of Alabama.
Things haven't been easy for the player, who was shot in the leg during a carjacking that significantly derailed his first NFL offseason preparations. Robinson came out on the other side after hard work, which he stated via the team's website was thanks in no small part to his exceptional support system providing a sense of motivation.
"They mean more to me than anything … That's who I do it for at the end of the day. I do it for my mom, my sisters, my family, my friends, everybody who supported me and been there for me and watched me struggle and also watched me win."Brian Robinson Jr. via Commanders.com
Hopefully, the Commanders won't be in such predicaments as the one they experienced in Week 5 too much this season. Something that would push Robinson towards his 1,000-yard rushing goal within Eric Bieniemy's scheme.
Commanders HC Ron Rivera on changes
Things are teetering on the brink for head coach Ron Rivera right now. Pressure is mounting on the respected figure following three-straight losses, with the Washington Commnaders' embarrassing reverse against the Chicago Bears as the entire NFL world watched on representing the clearest sign yet that this team is a long way from contending.
Fans are calling for a change in some capacity. Whether that's Rivera himself, certain struggling players being benched, or the coaches below the figurehead - action is demanded to ensure things don't continue spiraling out of control.
When discussing the prospect of coaching changes on Friday, Rivera stated in no uncertain terms that this wouldn't be happening. Apparently, if this ship is going down, the former linebacker is going to go down with the coaches he already has rather than bringing in someone with fresh ideas during the regular season.
Letting coaches go is always the last resort. Rivera is also extremely loyal to his players and staff, so it comes as no surprise to hear this short but frank statement regarding his plans.
One thing's for sure, Rivera better be right. Things are not unfolding as many hoped - especially on the defensive side of the football - so some significant adjustments are needed on Washington's mini-bye to ensure the same problems don't keep occurring.
Commanders QB Sam Howell's eagerness
Starting slowly has become synonymous with the Washington Commanders since Ron Rivera became head coach. Their 27-3 half-time deficit on Thursday night was the latest in a long line of deep holes they had to climb out of, which was a task too tough despite things improving dramatically on offense after the break.
Sam Howell was one of the few players to emerge with any credit. The quarterback recovered well from his costly interception en route to 388 passing yards and two touchdowns, even if it wasn't enough for the Commanders to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
When asked about his thoughts, Howell stated via Washington's website that beginning games quicker and executing more effectively right out of the gate is the primary objective. Something that would undoubtedly make things easier as games go on.
"We just got to do a better job of executing starting the game. I think we've done a good job throughout the season on those first few drives. Obviously, sometimes they haven't resulted in points. I think we've had a good plan, we've prepared well throughout the week, it's just a matter of coming out and executing. They didn't do anything that was different than what we thought they would do, it's just a matter of us going out there and doing what we're supposed to do and doing our jobs at a high level. Early on in the game, we didn't do that. It kind of put ourselves in a hole, but we'll be better from it."Sam Howell via Commanders.com
Howell is learning on the job and demonstrating impressive growth through five weeks. If the former fifth-round selection gets more help from elsewhere, there's nothing to suggest he cannot continue developing into a potential franchise presence under center.
Commanders DE Chase Young hits back
Another bright spot is the performance of Chase Young. The defensive end's come through the last four games unscathed on the injury front and seems to be back to his explosive self despite the Washington Commanders going through some complications on this side of the football currently.
This vaunted defense has coughed up 144 points over the last four games. An unacceptable number that's seen Jack Del Rio's predictable schematic concepts and his stubbornness regarding adjustments come under the microscope.
Ron Rivera apparently isn't planning to make alterations to the staff. But it wouldn't be surprising to see the head coach have more input defensively given his background, Del Rio's recent struggles, and the abundance of talent at his disposal.
When asked about what's going wrong right now, Young leaped to the defense of his coordinator via Clutch Points, stating that the players have to execute better when push comes to shove.
"It’s nothing on [Jack] Del Rio. He made good calls today. … It’s on us as players. Just got to start faster and hold each other accountable."Chase Young via Clutch Points
Young should be commended for defending his coach, but the film doesn't lie. Del Rio needs to start maximizing the tools at his disposal more effectively to ensure the Commanders don't go into freefall over the next 12 games. Otherwise, he'll likely be searching for alternative employment when the campaign concludes.