The Washington Commanders entered Week 17 in the seventh and final NFC playoff berth. However, their loss to the Cleveland Browns has them on the brink of being eliminated from playoff contention. Apparently, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera was not aware of the scenario.
Following Washington’s 24-10 loss to Cleveland, Rivera was puzzled by a question from 106.7 the Fan’s Grant Paulsen.
Paulsen asked Rivera if there would be any consideration to starting rookie quarterback Sam Howell if the Commanders are eliminated from playoff contention Sunday. Rivera reacted with a perplexed look on his face. Rivera’s response signaled the coach had no clue his team could be eliminated from the playoffs.
Paulsen explained that if the Green Bay Packers beat the Minnesota Vikings later in the day, the Commanders are out of playoff contention.
Ron Rivera later clarified he was frustrated by Paulsen’s quarterback question, per ESPN’s John Keim. Meanwhile, Rivera wasn’t aware of the scenario because his focus was on winning to get into the playoffs. Still, many will consider it a puzzling moment for an NFL head coach.
The Commanders entered the week needing to win each of its last two regular-season games to clinch a berth as an NFC wild card. However, Washington is now on the brink of being eliminated with the loss Sunday coupled with wins by the Detroit Lions and Packers.
The Lions defeated the Chicago Bears 38-10, leaving the Commanders’ playoff hopes in the hands of the Packers.
Meanwhile, Rivera’s admission is more perplexing considering the Commanders made a quarterback change this week. Carson Wentz started against the Browns over Taylor Heinicke.
Heinicke had started the past nine games in place of Wentz, who was out with a broken finger. Washington went 5-3-1 with Heinicke at quarterback, turning around their season after a 2-4 start with Wentz under center. However, the Commanders were 0-2-1 in the previous three games, prompting the quarterback switch to Wentz.
Rivera said earlier this week he made the change hoping Wentz could provide the team with a spark. Wentz threw three interceptions in the loss to the Browns.
Rivera never considered turning to Heinicke in relief with the Commanders’ playoff hopes on the line. Apparently, fans now know why. Rivera was unaware of Washington’s playoff situation.
