Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Chase Young, Montez Sweat and Sam Howell

Commanders HC Ron Rivera's reasoning

The Washington Commanders sent shockwaves through the NFL on Tuesday. Many thought that they would end up dealing one of their star defensive ends, but to trade Montez Sweat and Chase Young was an absolute stunner in no uncertain terms.

Reports seem to suggest Washington was keen to keep Sweat before the Chicago Bears came in with an offer they couldn't refuse. Young was shipped out for pennies on the dollar, which inevitably came with unnamed sources speculating why this proved to be the case.

When discussing the trades during his highly-anticipated media availability on Wednesday, Rivera stated that it was a chance to restock based on comments via John Keim of ESPN. The head coach added that this is a good opportunity to get a longer look at those further down the pecking order.

"We have an opportunity to go out and play well. I do think there's every opportunity in front of us. … It's an opportunity to see what else we have. It's an opportunity to go out and win football games using different guys. I've gone through this before. Do we have that opportunity? I think this is what this is. It's the same kind of opportunity."

- Ron Rivera via ESPN

Rivera is right in the sense that James Smith-Williams, Efe Obada, and Casey Toohill have a big chance in front of them with the spotlight glaring. And there is a quiet confidence in their ability to step in and ensure no real momentum is lost.