The seat is scorching for Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera following another embarrassing loss. Even former Washington coach Jay Gruden sees the inevitable approaching for Rivera.
“Black Monday. Coming to a theatre near you. Been there. Done that,” Gruden wrote on Twitter/X after Washington’s 31-19 loss to the New York Giants.
Coincidentally, Gruden was Washington’s head coach before getting fired during his sixth season in 2019. Rivera, who got fired by the Panthers later that year, ultimately replaced Gruden.
The Commanders entered Sunday’s game a 7.5-point favorite. However, the Giants dominated the game before sealing the victory with a pick-six by linebacker Isaiah Simmons off Commanders quarterback Sam Howell.
Washington had six turnovers, three fumbles, and three interceptions thrown by Howell. The turnovers negated a nine-sack performance by the Commanders defense. But not before giving up over 240 passing yards and three touchdown passes from the Giants’ undefeated rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito.
The Commanders drop to a 4-7 record and 0-4 in the NFC East division. Somehow, Washington lost to the Giants twice this season. The Giants’ $40 million QB, Daniel Jones, did not play in either game.
The Giants have just two wins since Week 3, both coming against Washington.
Ron Rivera facing Black Monday, Happy Thanksgiving
Former Commanders owner Dan Snyder famously said, “Happy Thanksgiving” when announcing the hiring of Ron Rivera. Nearly four years later, Rivera’s days appear numbered, and he could potentially coach his final game with Washington on Thanksgiving.
Rivera entered this season on a hot seat after three disappointing years that included a carousel at quarterback. With Washington’s new ownership, Rivera had to prove himself in 2023.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t. Losses to the woeful Chicago Bears and Giants laminate Rivera’s struggles. Rivera put his future in the hands of second-year QB Sam Howell, who had just one start before this season.
Howell tossed three interceptions against the Giants, including a game-sealing pick-six. Rivera is running out of time, and it’s hard to ignore the inevitable Black Monday is approaching for the coach.
