Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines after their Week 18 loss against the Dallas Cowboys?
The Washington Commanders ended the campaign with an expected loss at home to the Dallas Cowboys. There was a brief glimmer of hope during the opening exchanges, but it didn't take long for the newly crowned NFC East champions to show their class and send head coach Ron Rivera into the sunset with a 13th defeat from a horrifying 2023 season.
It's Black Monday and change is coming. While we eagerly await further developments, the stories causing debate include Sam Howell's assessment, Ron Rivera's final thoughts, a potential general manager candidate coming to the forefront, and what to expect in the coming hours.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders expected to be busy on Black Monday
After a period of assessing the football operation, Josh Harris' ownership group is ready to implement significant alterations in the hope of taking the Washington Commanders forward. Black Monday is expected to be a busy one for the organization, with several key staff members set to get their marching orders after another underwhelming campaign.
Multiple reports suggest Ron Rivera will be first out of the door this morning. Other coaches will follow. General manager Martin Mayhew is also set to receive bad news regarding his future as Harris and his wealthy team of investors opt for a hard reset.
The writing's been on the wall for weeks. Now, the moment has arrived at long last. Something that represents the beginning of a hopefully prosperous new era for the Commanders.
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Ron Rivera's final thoughts
It was a poignant occasion for Ron Rivera on Sunday. The outgoing head coach couldn't pull off a major upset against the Dallas Cowboys. But the respected figure took in every moment - on his 62nd birthday, no less - before his inevitable fate arrives in the coming hours.
Most are expecting Rivera's name to be among the first fired on Black Monday. Four straight losing seasons and concerns about the roster building dictate as much. Josh Harris gave him a mini-reprive to soak in the adulation of players and coaches alike, but everyone knows what comes next.
When discussing the immediate future, Rivera all but conceded his time with the Washington Commanders had come to an end. He's also fully confident that Harris will do whatever is necessary to get the franchise back among the contenders based on comments via Clutch Points.
"I think the organization has to do what they believe is best for the organization. I really, truly believe that's what's going to happen. They'll make the best decision going forward."Ron Rivera via Clutch Points
We'll hear more from Rivera later today in what will probably be his exit statement. It was an immensely difficult situation to take on thanks in no small part to Dan Snyder. He's also overcome tremendous personal adversity, beating cancer and navigating the tricky COVID-19 situation. But in the end, this is a results business.
Commanders QB Sam Howell's assessment
Sam Howell got the chance to see out the year and become the first Washington Commanders quarterback to start every regular season game since Kirk Cousins in 2017. There were flashes once again, but costly turnovers and increased hesitancy ended up being his undoing versus an opportunistic Dallas Cowboys defense.
This brings the curtain down on Howell's 2023 season. Considering the Commanders locked up the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, all signs point to a new signal-caller coming into the franchise from the college ranks.
Howell was in a somber mood when speaking to the media following the contest. The former fifth-round pick acknowledged it's been tough going based on comments via USA Today Sports. He was also appreciative of the opportunity and aims to be more consistent moving forward.
"It was a lot of ups and downs, a tough year, not the year we expected to have, not the year we wanted to have. But that being said, I have learned a lot. I’ve grown a lot as a player, as a person. And for that, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I think I’ll be more consistent. I think the main thing for me is just playing. I think at times I was playing some good ball. I’ve just got to do it more consistently."Sam Howell via USA Today Sports
Howell is one of many Commanders players facing an uncertain future. Looking at how things have unfolded throughout the campaign and the introduction of new appointments in positions of power, things don't look great for the North Carolina product.
Commanders expected to target Joe Hortiz
Martin Mayhew's time as Washington Commanders' general manager is also coming to an end. Josh Harris' ownership group is reportedly looking for a more traditional approach to building a contender. The only way this happens is a complete reset of the ethos within the building.
Attention is quickly turning to potential candidates to become Washington's new front-office leader. According to Lynelle Willingham from 106.7 The Fan, expect the Commanders to make inquiries in the hope of luring Joe Hortiz from the Baltimore Ravens.
"Expect Washington Commanders brass to meet with the Ravens' director of player personnel Joe Hortiz in the near future. A lot of reports suggesting how Josh Harris & CO are enamored with the Ravens organizational structure, landing Hortiz would kickstart that process."Lynelle Willigham via X/Twitter
This would be a home-run hire in no uncertain terms. Hortiz has played an influential role behind the scenes as the Ravens go from strength to strength. That sort of sustained culture and strategic approach is something the Commanders desperately need to take the franchise forward.
If Hortiz was the choice for general manager, the chances of Mike Macdonald becoming head coach increase exponentially. The pair already have a close working relationship. This could potentially allow the Ravens defensive coordinator to hit the ground running if hired.