Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines after another demoralizing home loss against the Miami Dolphins?
There was almost a sense of inevitably about the fate that would befall the Washington Commanders in Week 13. The struggling home team was never in the game en route to a heavy loss versus the Miami Dolphins, which represented another example of how far this franchise is from being labeled as a contender.
A lot of soul-searching is needed during the bye week, although it's clear most established players have visibly checked out by looking at their body language. Following the defeat, the stories generating debate include Terry McLaurin's frustration, Ron Rivera's fate being sealed, Jonathan Allen's downtrodden demeanor, and Tyreek Hill slamming the Commanders' defense for their lack of respect.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Tyreek Hill slams Commanders' defense
Containing wide receiver Tyreek Hill was a primary objective for the Washington Commanders in this one. So when rookie hybrid defensive back Quan Martin covered the All-Pro one-on-one in the slot with no safety help right out of the gate, it was an opportunity quarterback Tua Tagovailoa didn't waste.
Hill torched Martin for an early deep touchdown. The electrifying playmaker was nothing short of relentless throughout the one-sided contest and had a lot to say about Washington's lack of respect for his talent post-game based on comments via Sports Illustrated.
"Those guys [Commanders] are great at what they do and they also get paid. But at some point, it’s like, man. I don’t know, man. I just appreciate it. Thanks for not respecting me, I guess."Tyreek Hill via Sports Illustrated
Ron Rivera takes the blame. This was his first game handling the defense after firing coordinator Jack Del Rio, which couldn't have gone much worse all things considered.
Jonathan Allen's downtrodden demeanor
As previously mentioned, it was another afternoon to forget defensively. This unit had no answer for the Miami Dolphins, who had their way from start to finish and put up 45 points during Ron Rivera's first game calling the shots.
This was completely unacceptable. The body language and effort are the most concerning elements of all - a sign that the players have downed tools with just four games remaining.
When discussing another woeful showing, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen - who didn't exactly cover himself in glory again - was his usual blunt self when assessing the current state of affairs based on comments via X/Twitter
"It’s what you would expect. Wasn’t a very good defense. Can’t stop the run, can’t stop the pass. I'm tired of trying to build character. My character has been built up enough. I'm trying to win."Jonathan Allen via X/Twitter
Allen has cut a forlorn figure throughout the season. His production is on the slide and his teammates aren't doing enough either, which is a dangerous combination with so many big changes on the immediate horizon.
What that means for Allen's future remains to be seen. With the need for a complete rebuild, nothing can be dismissed entirely despite some significant financial ramifications attached to a potential trade.
Terry McLaurin's frustration
Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins was another anonymous one for Terry McLaurin. The Washington Commanders couldn't get the Pro Bowler going, allocating just three targets in his direction - none of which he managed to bring in.
McLaurin was always going to find life difficult versus the stud cornerback tandem of Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey. When asked about his lack of involvement, the wide receiver was frustrated but remains determined in the face of adversity based on comments via USA Today Sports.
"I ran a lot of cardio. It happens; it comes with it when it’s tough. Yeah, it’s frustrating, but I’m going to keep coming in and practicing and playing hard. As long as I turn on the film and I’m making extra blocks down on the field when I’m trying to clear it out for guys. I’m going to continue to run my routes hard, so that’s what I’m going to do. At the end of the day, I’m not going to quit, but yeah, it’s frustrating."Terry McLaurin via USA Today Sports
There's something not clicking with McLaurin in this offense currently. He hasn't notched a 100-yard game in 2023 and is in real danger of having his 1,000-yard regular season streak broken. This is not what anybody envisaged when Eric Bieniemy came into the fold from the Kansas City Chiefs to run the unit.
Will the Commanders fire Ron Rivera?
After another home capitulation with thousands of Miami Dolphins fans packing FedEx Field, the calls to remove head coach Ron Rivera during the bye week are deafening. This seems like a foregone conclusion with another losing season confirmed under his leadership, but Josh Harris' ownership group is reportedly willing to let things play out for the rest of 2023 no matter how bad it might get.
Rivera's move to call the Washington Commanders defense blew up in his face. Even though the pressure is on, Ben Standig of The Athletic highlighted any immediate change in leadership for the final four games could bring more complications than necessary.
"The expected outcome — that Rivera will finish the year — won’t be a crowd-pleaser. But there’s no good reason to fire Rivera before Week 18 beyond giving the angry an emotional sugar high. The damage is done. Relieving Rivera of his duties before the Week 18 home rematch with the Cowboys would matter little. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s primary role is to help Howell’s development. Promoting him to interim head coach would complicate his daily schedule and likely offer false hope of him getting the full-time job. Whether Rivera is fired now or in early January matters little. There’s a massive overhaul looming for the coaching staff, front office and roster. Several players are worth keeping, of course. Time must be given for high draft picks to improve — and for Harris to make moves. It’s coming. The score is evident. Hang in there until Harris acts, even if you’re tired of waiting for the team’s next Super Bowl ring."Ben Standig, The Athletic
There are only a few games left, so Rivera will probably oversee matters before being removed on Black Monday around the league. Until then, fans must sit through a poor, uninspired football product and hope Harris is making the necessary preparations behind the scenes for a brighter future.