Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Chris Cooley, Logan Thomas and Sam Howell

Ron Rivera on Commanders defense

One of the most surprising factors behind the Washington Commanders' recent slump is the defensive regression. This vaunted unit was projected by many to be among the league's best in 2023, so to see things tailing off in this manner is extremely concerning.

The Commanders have invested significant draft capital on defense in recent years. This is the time they should be excelling rather than floundering, which is something that's clearly disappointing head coach Ron Rivera based on his comments via Sports Illustrated.

"Well, I'm a little disappointed, more so than I am surprised. I just think that some of the things that we have to do is we have to play with a little bit more discipline. We're going to stop trying to do more than we need to and do our jobs. Probably the basic thing that goes to it, and as I said, we're taking a look at some of the things that we're doing with them. Are we truly putting them in the best position to make plays? That's the thing that we have to look at and go through the next day."

- Ron Rivera via Sports Illustrated

There is enough talent to perform better providing the right schematic adjustments are made. Whether Jack Del Rio is progressive enough in his thinking to implement fresh ideas is another matter.

Either way, something needs to be done. If that means Rivera getting more hands-on given his established defensive background, so be it.