Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera did some damage control Tuesday morning for his comments on Monday. Rivera said on the BIG 100’s Don Geronimo Show that he addressed his quarterback Carson Wentz and the Commanders’ team about the matter.
“I didn’t have to. I was fortunate enough that our media relations director contacted him and let him know. And I actually talked to Carson this morning. In fact, I talked to the whole team. I had a mea culpa moment and that I should know better. I created a little bit of a distraction and that’s one thing that I try not to do and it’s one thing that I’m very aware of. Again, it’s one of those things that when you misstep, people can’t wait to dive onto it and jump onto it without an opportunity to explain yourself. So, hey, that’s on me. I should know better,” Rivera said (h/t Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post).
The Commanders are in last place in the NFC East with a 1-4 record. The Philadelphia Eagles are a perfect 5-0; the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys are 4-1. The division is surging after being mediocre in recent years.
When asked by the media what the reason for the Commanders’ progression is behind the rest of the division, Rivera gave a one-word reply, “quarterback.”
When pressed for an explanation, Rivera elaborated during the presser. However, the headlines focused on his initial response, portraying Rivera’s comments for throwing Wentz under the bus for the Commanders’ struggles this season.
One retired quarterback who played under Rivera in Washington took exception to his comments. Alex Smith blasted Rivera on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown for “driving the bus over” Wentz.
Rivera clarified Tuesday that he meant the other quarterbacks in the NFC East have familiarity with their system and teams. Wentz is in his first year with Washington.
There may be debate about that response. But, more importantly, Rivera must get in front of the situation with Wentz and his team. All that matters is how his words are received within the Commanders’ locker room.
