Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines after another embarrassing loss to the New York Giants in Week 11?
Well, that didn't go to plan.
Despite being 9.5-point favorites with most sportsbooks, the Washington Commanders were again embarrassed on home soil. They couldn't get anything going offensively versus an under-strength New York Giants, who never looked in danger of losing their early lead as the hosts moved to 4-7 and 0-4 within the NFC East division.
There was a lot to unpack in the game's immediate aftermath. Among the stories causing debate include Magic Johnson's disbelief, Deonte Banks going off on the Commanders for passing on him in the 2023 NFL Draft, Sam Howell's regret, and Ron Rivera hitting rock bottom.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders owner Magic Johnson's disbelief
Not many anticipated the Washington Commanders getting blown out against the New York Giants. Sadly, that's exactly what transpired, which was thanks to offensive turnovers and undrafted free-agent quarterback Tommy DeVito performing above expectations behind another stylish display from Saquon Barkley.
This didn't go unnoticed by limited ownership partner Magic Johnson. The basketball icon was in disbelief based on his social media post, which was swiftly followed by countless replies from fans calling for change.
"Wow! My Washington Commanders turned the ball over six times today and gave the Giants 24 points off turnovers. We lost 31-19."Magic Johnson via X/Twitter
The time for action is almost upon us. While that would be difficult and perhaps unfair on a short week, after the Dallas Cowboys game on Thanksgiving or even following their clash against the Miami Dolphins heading into the bye is more realistic.
Either way, the writing is on the wall.
Commanders QB Sam Howell's regret
After so much genuine growth in recent weeks, Sunday's game against the New York York Giants represented a step back for Sam Howell. The quarterback didn't look comfortable in the face of defensive coordinator Wink Martindale's blitz-happy scheme once again, which caused untold complications at the line of scrimmage throughout and led to countless errors.
Howell's improved decision-making deserted him in Week 11. He was nervy and erratic in the pocket, throwing three interceptions as the Washington Commanders turned the football over six times in total.
That was the difference, and it was completely unacceptable given how heavily the Commanders were favored. Something Howell acknowledged by taking full accountability during his post-game comments via Washington's website.
"When you turn over the ball that many times, you're not gonna win games. That starts with me. I gotta do a better job of taking care of the football."Sam Howell via Commanders.com
Playoff hopes have now been extinguished. But there is no time for Howell to wallow in self-pity as he looks to respond accordingly with the national NFL audience watching on Thanksgiving Day at the Dallas Cowboys.
Mistakes will happen and Howell is still learning the ropes. How he bounces back this Thursday will tell us plenty about the North Carolina product's resolve in the face of severe adversity.
Deonte Banks sounds off on Commanders
It was a complete embarrassment all around for the Washington Commanders in Week 11 en route to their seventh loss of the campaign. And one New York Giants player took this opportunity to stick the knife into the franchise for passing on him during the 2023 NFL Draft.
Deonte Banks - a prospect from nearby Maryland University - was overlooked in favor of former Mississippi State standout Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16 overall. Something that's put a huge chip on the cornerback's shoulder based on his Instagram live comments via CBS Sports.
"They could've (come) and got me at 16. And they didn't. Now I'm 2-0 against you bum ass boys. F--- the Commanders. They think they slick. They finna see me two times a year until the end of my career. Two times a year. Should've (come) and got me. I'm just trying to figure out, though, did 17 play today? That's all I wanna know. Did he play today? Did he play? I just wanna know if he played."Deonte Banks via CBS Sports
Forbes is going through some complications as a rookie, which isn't uncommon. But make no mistake, Banks is going to be highly motivated whenever he comes up against the Commanders throughout his career - the fact he threw shade at Pro Bowl wideout Terry McLaurin makes this even worse.
Commanders HC Ron Rivera's rock bottom
If Ron Rivera's seat was hot heading into Sunday's game against the New York Giants, it's scalding now. The head coach is living on borrowed time as the Washington Commanders spiral towards their fourth-straight losing season under his leadership, which isn't going to cut the mustard with Josh Harris' new ownership group.
It's now a case of when not if Rivera and his staff will be removed from their duties. The short week might give him a slight reprieve, but all bets are off with a mini-bye after Thanksgiving and their actual bye following Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins at FedEx Field.
Rivera cut a forlorn figure after the game, citing this was one of the real low points of his tenure based on comments via The Athletic. Looking at his body language, one has to wonder how much fight he has left.
"Well, it’s a low point, that’s for sure. Any time you got an opportunity to win a football game, and you put up the numbers that we did, you got a chance — but you got to convert."Ron Rivera via The Athletic
There is an inevitability about what the future holds for Rivera. History is about to repeat itself for the figurehead, who was also fired by the Carolina Panthers shortly after David Tepper bought the franchise from Jerry Richardson for a then-record $2.2 billion.
As for the fans, they've seen enough.