Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Sam Howell, Jonathan Allen and Chase Young

Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines after the team's embarrassing loss at the New York Giants?

It seems as if the Washington Commanders cannot stop getting in their own way. After an impressive road win over the Atlanta Falcons, this team's hopes of entering the wild card picture were dealt a significant blow after a pathetic loss at the New York Giants to further raise speculation about the futures of those in positions of power.

Considering how under-strength the Giants were, this was a body blow. Following the game, the stories generating debate include Ron Rivera's defiance, Jonathan Allen's tirade, Chase Young's call to arms, and Sam Howell's reflection.

Let's delve into each topic in more detail.

Commanders DE Chase Young's mentality

There were very few bright spots from the Washington Commanders' point of view in Week 7. Of those, one would arguably place defensive end Chase Young's performance atop the list.

Young is starting to look like the dominant figure many envisaged when he was taken No. 2 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. He was a constant menace to a depleted New York Giants offensive line, gaining two sacks and further boosting his chances of getting a big-time payday once the campaign concludes.

That didn't matter much to Young after such a dismal loss. He was more keen to highlight the need to remain focused and improve standards in practice based on comments via Washington's website.

"Just keep rolling with the punches. It's still early in the season and we haven't accomplished everything we wanna accomplish, so gotta keep our eyes on the prize. Be consistent every day, keep watching film, and hold each other accountable. Gotta lead by example, lead by example in practice, that's all I can do. I feel like we can be the best we can but just gotta show and it starts with practice."

Chase Young via Commanders.com

A lot of soul-searching is needed this week before the Commanders gear up for their crunch game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field. Another loss could also have ramifications when it comes to Young's future before the 2023 trade deadline.

Commanders HC Ron Rivera's defiance

This is the last thing Ron Rivera needed. Last weekend's win alleviated some pressure on the beleaguered head coach, but questions about his future grew exponentially after the Washington Commanders completely capitulated en route to a shock defeat at the New York Giants.

The Commanders didn't look like a team that was ready to go into battle. They were sluggish right out of the gate, had no answer for Wink Martindale's blitz packages, and were undone by costly individual errors at the death to condemn them to their fourth reverse of the campaign.

It also represented the final straw for some sections of the fanbase who are desperate for change under new ownership. When discussing the game, Rivera stated via Scott Abraham from 7News DC that anything can happen over their final 10 games providing they bounce back accordingly.

To me, it's how you bounce back. We have ten games left to go, you never know what's going to happen. You have to take them one at a time, you got to stay focused on it.

That's easier said than done with the Philadelphia Eagles coming to town next weekend. Make no mistake, any further failings are unlikely to be well received by fans or members of Josh Harris' ownership group as part of their ongoing evaluations.

Commanders DT Jonathan Allen's tirade

Frustrations are clearly building within the Washington Commanders. This team just isn't meeting expectations and is destined for another season languishing in mediocrity, which might just lead to some landmark changes across the board depending on how Josh Harris' ownership group perceives the current state of affairs.

It's the same old problems that keep coming up again and again. No protection for the quarterback, starting games slowly, failing to execute on third down, and getting burned for big plays downfield.

When the same complications continue to occur, that's on coaching. Veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen did not hold back with a verbal tirade on the Commanders' lack of success since he joined out of Alabama when speaking after the game to JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington.

Allen is one of the respected leaders in the locker room. If he's feeling like this, it's highly like that the former first-round selection is speaking on behalf of the large majority.

Whether this is a sign of Ron Rivera losing the locker room is up for debate. Things are always going to be raw after such a disappointing loss in its immediate aftermath, but Allen is clearly becoming tired of constant failure when the talent is there to be performing much better consistently.

Commanders QB Sam Howell's frustration

This was a step backward for Sam Howell based on the high standards he's set since becoming the Washington Commanders starting quarterback. While he got absolutely no help from the offensive line - especially in the first half - the signal-caller also needs to be doing much better when it comes to key areas such as pre-snap recognition and timing of his throws.

Howell is far from the biggest problem for the Commanders right now. But with the defense doing their bit after a rocky start, their latest defeat can be placed squarely on the offense's shoulders thanks to poor execution and struggling mightily to cope with Wink Martindale's blitz-heavy defensive scheme.

When discussing the performance, Howell acknowledged via David Aldridge of The Athletic that it could have been better. Something that was clearly frustrating the former fifth-round pick in the contest's immediate aftermath.

"We felt like we had a good plan, had answers for everything that they might do, and we just weren’t executing. So, it’s frustrating. The good thing is our defense played well and kept us in the game and made some big plays, huge stops, the turnover (forcing a Saquon Barkley fumble midway through the fourth). We’ve just got to do a better job offensively. If our defense gives up 14 points — and I think one of those touchdowns was on a short field, after my interception — we should win the football game."

Sam Howell via The Athletic

A big response is needed from Howell and the Commanders in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Nothing less than a win will do, although that'll be easier said than done versus a team that looks primed for another deep playoff run.

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