What makes this season different than the other seasons for Ron Rivera here in Washington?
That was basically one of the questions Rivera was asked during his weekly Monday press conference.
Rivera, who has posted records of 7-9, 7-10 and 8-8-1 in Washington, responded, “Well, I think the biggest thing, more than anything else, is I think we have found a young quarterback that gives us an opportunity.”
In 2020, Rivera had a courageous but wounded Alex Smith and an inexperienced, immature Dwayne Haskins. In 2021, Rivera lost his starter Ryan Fitzpatrick in the first half of the first game and had to go with a backup, Taylor Heinicke the rest of the season. Carson Wentz hugely disappointed Rivera in 2022, and he turned back to Taylor Heinicke, who had his moments but disappointed down the stretch as well. So, he tried Wentz once more, and unfortunately, it was an even greater disappointment.
Last season, with Washington struggling, Rivera, in a press conference, also publicly responded his team being behind the others in the division was largely due to the quarterback position. He was roasted by the fan base, but time has proven he was correct.
Now, suffering perhaps his most surprising defeat as Washington head coach, Rivera proclaimed his young quarterback Sam Howell provides him a hope he has not possessed in his previous seasons.
A second time, he was asked if this season at 3-4 is different from last season with the same 3-4 record. Again, Rivera pointed to Howell, stating Howell has helped the team be in games they were not in last year. “As long as we have that young quarterback and he is growing and developing and we as a team play consistent, complementary football, you know, we have a chance.”
Rivera was quick to point out there are other things that have to be worked on, corrected, and put into place. He was not laying all of this on Sam Howell.
Quite the opposite; it sounded like Rivera was saying if this team would step up more and complement Howell, the team would win more because Howell has the ability to execute the offense.