Are the Commanders ownership group right to give Ron Rivera more time?

Josh Harris' ownership group is reportedly willing to let things play out with Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera.

After such a positive start to the campaign, things seem to be going in a different direction for the Washington Commanders currently. Three straight losses aren't ideal, but the manner in which they folded at home against the then-winless Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football raised concerns about the team's current direction.

Ron Rivera isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet. There is enough talent for the Commanders to be performing much better collectively, but defensive frailties and suspect special teams production are just two flaws that must be fixed as a matter of urgency.

Even the bright spot - quarterback Sam Howell - is getting hit far too much by an offensive line that's finding trouble producing consistently. This brings the heat squarely on Rivera as the head coach and primary decision-maker when it comes to recruitment.

Commanders plan to keep faith with Ron Rivera

Speculation is mounting about how long the leash is on Rivera with new ownership assessing everything associated with the franchise. However, according to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, majority stakeholder Josh Harris is willing to be patient before coming to any drastic conclusions in-season.

"I'm told as of today, managing partner Josh Harris' perspective is to continue to allow things to play out when it comes to potential staff decisions, at this time, per source. Harris is a seasoned sports owner who is viewed internally as generally patient. I'm told one of Harris' biggest concerns now though is the impact an emotional national loss may have on ticket sales--which always has to be taken into account too. Separately, when it comes to any decisions on defensive coordinator, there's an internal impression that Ron Rivera would prefer to allow things to play out. Rivera's relationship with Del Rio goes back a while as well. Now, while I'm told some of the other limited partners have their own thoughts--and you can read between the lines there-- we'll see how things settle as the season evolves. There is still time for better results, but the clock is ticking."

- Josina Anderson via X

It comes as no surprise to see Rivera remain loyal to Jack Del Rio. He's an old-school character who values this trait more than most, but a situation might emerge where the decision is taken out of his hands if the same trend continues.

The fact Anderson reported that some limited partners have a different view is interesting. Magic Johnson wasn't shy in calling out the team's lack of effort versus the Bears, which should put everyone on notice in no uncertain terms.

Washington still finds itself in the wildcard race and two other NFC East teams also lost this weekend, which means all hope is not lost. It won't be easy - especially given the microscope Harris' group is putting on the team - but remaining focused and putting in the hard yards in pursuit of improvements remains the only course of action.

All signs point to Week 6 at the Atlanta Falcons being a must-win scenario for the Commanders. Going 2-4 with four-straight defeats isn't a good look, so treating this as a playoff-type environment is an absolute necessity.

Rivera's four years at the helm have received mixed reviews. Of course, he was working under immense uncertainty with Dan Snyder's dark cloud hanging over the organization, but there is no room for sentiment when it comes to building a contender.

If that means Harris and his wealthy team of investors decide to pull the plug, that's the nature of the beast. Something that Rivera is already fully aware of having suffered the same fate when David Tepper bought the Carolina Panthers.