Inside the Commanders’ high-stakes 2023 season and what comes next
December 6, 2023
Inside the Commanders’ high-stakes 2023 season and what comes next
6 comments
Some highlights for me of this feature article:
– the story is written by Jeremy Fowler and Keim, and I’m flabbergasted by some of their comments reported as fact. Like: “Rivera was considered a slam-dunk hire for Washington in December 2019, when he was coming off a nine-season tenure in Carolina that included 76 wins, four playoff appearances and the team’s second Super Bowl bid.” They also open the story with support for the “success” of Howell and Bienemy.
– Bienemy works his staff until after midnight sometimes. “One member of the staff said while the long hours are a testament to Bieniemy’s stamina, the pace is nearly impossible to maintain”
– Terry and Bienemy were at odds as far back as training camp. To what extent (minor, moderate, significant) isn’t clear.
– Players aren’t communicating enough with Bienemy according to Bienemy: “I’ve had conversations with a number of players, and the beauty of it is some are very, very good and productive,” Bieniemy told ESPN. “I wish they would share some of their thoughts with me because when it’s all said, done with, this is about us. But we are going to do what we feel is best for the team.”
– some folks inside Ashburn are throwing Rivera under the bus: Several team sources said Rivera defers to his coordinators on decision-making, sometimes to a fault.
“Ron needed to take more ownership,” one of the team sources said.
– more throwing Rivera under the bus: But with Washington sitting at 26-36-1 during his tenure, questions about Rivera’s ability to maximize the team’s ability persist. Rivera often begins meetings with three words that serve as team pillars: “Attitude. Preparation. Effort.” Feeling the mantra was ringing hollow, Rivera stopped using it this season, a team source said.
“For whatever reason, the players just didn’t seem to be fired up this year,” one front-office source said of Rivera’s motivational impact.
– some thoughts on the future: What exactly will Harris be looking for in a head coach and front office? Several league sources wonder if Harris will emphasize analytics with his choices, similar to the model he favored in choosing Daryl Morey as GM of the 76ers. In late October, Harris hired Eugene Shen to head the Commanders’ analytics department.
But the owner has shown he values a balance of analytics and on-field experience, such as the Morey-Elton Brand setup in Philly or the way his Devils general manager, former NHL player Tom Fitzgerald, is supported by a strong analytics department.
Good write up.
Great article, puts context to where we stand and the logical coming days ahead! Nothing revolutionary that will shock you, but nice summary of the current situation.
It’s like the whole franchise is in lame duck status. Not great. But, It will be easy to forget this year if this offseason is amazing.
The articles seems to confirm what we already knew. The team and staff has been checked out since day 1 and actions/ inactions of Rivera have served to exacerbate the situation.
Let’s hope we can get through these next 4 games without significant injuries and maybe, hopefully, not get blown out by 20 points in every game.
The sunrise is on the horizon. Patience.
good read. bit worried connection Rivera has with Harris means he’ll still find his way around after the season ends. we need a total purge
6 comments
Some highlights for me of this feature article:
– the story is written by Jeremy Fowler and Keim, and I’m flabbergasted by some of their comments reported as fact. Like: “Rivera was considered a slam-dunk hire for Washington in December 2019, when he was coming off a nine-season tenure in Carolina that included 76 wins, four playoff appearances and the team’s second Super Bowl bid.” They also open the story with support for the “success” of Howell and Bienemy.
– Bienemy works his staff until after midnight sometimes. “One member of the staff said while the long hours are a testament to Bieniemy’s stamina, the pace is nearly impossible to maintain”
– Terry and Bienemy were at odds as far back as training camp. To what extent (minor, moderate, significant) isn’t clear.
– Players aren’t communicating enough with Bienemy according to Bienemy: “I’ve had conversations with a number of players, and the beauty of it is some are very, very good and productive,” Bieniemy told ESPN. “I wish they would share some of their thoughts with me because when it’s all said, done with, this is about us. But we are going to do what we feel is best for the team.”
– some folks inside Ashburn are throwing Rivera under the bus: Several team sources said Rivera defers to his coordinators on decision-making, sometimes to a fault.
“Ron needed to take more ownership,” one of the team sources said.
– more throwing Rivera under the bus: But with Washington sitting at 26-36-1 during his tenure, questions about Rivera’s ability to maximize the team’s ability persist. Rivera often begins meetings with three words that serve as team pillars: “Attitude. Preparation. Effort.” Feeling the mantra was ringing hollow, Rivera stopped using it this season, a team source said.
“For whatever reason, the players just didn’t seem to be fired up this year,” one front-office source said of Rivera’s motivational impact.
– some thoughts on the future: What exactly will Harris be looking for in a head coach and front office? Several league sources wonder if Harris will emphasize analytics with his choices, similar to the model he favored in choosing Daryl Morey as GM of the 76ers. In late October, Harris hired Eugene Shen to head the Commanders’ analytics department.
But the owner has shown he values a balance of analytics and on-field experience, such as the Morey-Elton Brand setup in Philly or the way his Devils general manager, former NHL player Tom Fitzgerald, is supported by a strong analytics department.
Good write up.
Great article, puts context to where we stand and the logical coming days ahead! Nothing revolutionary that will shock you, but nice summary of the current situation.
It’s like the whole franchise is in lame duck status. Not great. But, It will be easy to forget this year if this offseason is amazing.
The articles seems to confirm what we already knew. The team and staff has been checked out since day 1 and actions/ inactions of Rivera have served to exacerbate the situation.
Let’s hope we can get through these next 4 games without significant injuries and maybe, hopefully, not get blown out by 20 points in every game.
The sunrise is on the horizon. Patience.
good read. bit worried connection Rivera has with Harris means he’ll still find his way around after the season ends. we need a total purge