The Washington Commanders haven’t put together a winning season since 2016 and have started the 2022 campaign at 1-3. So you can’t blame head coach Ron Rivera for being a little fired up about the direction of the franchise.
While quarterback Carson Wentz struggles and the team has sputtered out in three-straight losses, Rivera told reporters Monday that he understands why fans are upset and he didn’t mince any words.
“I understand everybody’s frustration, especially how proud this organization is,” Rivera said in a Zoom press conference. “S***, this organization’s got five championships. Are you f***ing kidding me? I get it. I understand how important it is to win.”
That said, the third-year head coach preached patience as the Commanders try to reclaim the season.
“I understand the history, what’s gone on here for a while and we’re trying to change that,” Rivera said. “It’s not going happen overnight and it’s not going be easy. If anyone thought it would be easy, they’re crazy. I tried to get that across last season.
“When you start seeing some steps go forward and then all of the sudden you go backwards, that is a tough pill to swallow. You feel good, potentially, about what could be headed in the right direction, and then something comes up.”
We’ll see if Rivera can make good on that ask as Washington fans’ patience is wearing thin.