Ladies and gentlemen gather ’round for a tale of the Washington Commanders that’s as captivating as trying to untangle your earbuds in the dark. It’s a story filled with twists, turns, and a dash of good old-fashioned football drama.
First, let’s address the elephant in the room, or should I say, the elephant that used to be the room’s name? If you were hoping that the Washington Commanders were going to have a nostalgic rebranding moment and revert to their original moniker, think again. According to new co-owner Mitchell Rales, that ship has sailed faster than a linebacker blitzing through a weak offensive line.
During a recent soirée in Washington, D.C., Rales made it crystal clear that “Redskins” was not going to be the name du jour. In his own words, “We’re not going to relitigate the past. We’re about the future. We’re about building the future and not having a divisive culture that we’re engaged in.” So, for those nostalgic for the good old days of divisive culture, you might have to look elsewhere.
But let’s not dwell too much on the name game because, folks, there’s more drama brewing in the District. Our dear coach Ron Rivera found himself in the spotlight, and not for the right reasons. The grumbling masses are convinced he didn’t give the offensive line enough TLC before the 2023 season.
Now, Ron Rivera is no stranger to pressure. In fact, he’s probably on a first-name basis with it by now. The Commanders, under their new ownership led by Josh Harris, have ushered in an era of uncertainty, and everyone knows that when things get uncertain, the head coach’s seat gets hotter than a summer day in Arizona.
Rivera’s tenure thus far hasn’t exactly been a parade of victories. Sure, there have been a few bright spots, but let’s face it, folks, it’s been a bit like watching a slow-motion replay of a one-yard touchdown run. Underwhelming, to say the least.
But hold onto your helmets because the past is the past. The Harris-led ownership group has taken control of everything off the field, which means Rivera can finally focus on football. It’s like someone finally handed him a playbook and said, “Go make some magic.”
Speaking of magic, there are whispers and doubts surrounding Washington’s offense this season, despite the arrival of Eric Bieniemy as the team’s new play-caller. It’s like putting a fresh coat of paint on a rusty old car and hoping it’ll run like a sports car.
As the Commanders prepare to face the Arizona Cardinals, it’s a pivotal moment. The pressure is on, not just because it’s Week 1 but because it’s the dawn of a new era under new ownership. A chance to turn the page or, for Ron Rivera, maybe write a new chapter.
Now, let’s not kid ourselves; nobody is throwing Ron Rivera overboard just yet. It’s only Week 1, after all. But make no mistake, 2023 is a “prove-it” season for the veteran coach. Even owner Josh Harris acknowledges that, while he’s enjoyed his time getting to know Rivera, this league is all about results. “He’s done a great job in terms of where the team is relative to where it was when he got here,” Harris said. But remember, folks, talk is cheap in the NFL, and results are king.
In the midst of all this drama, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Chase Young, the defensive end with a neck of steel, and Terry McLaurin, the receiver with toes that won’t quit, are back on the practice field. Their return is like a breath of fresh air on a muggy summer day; it gives everyone hope for what’s to come.
So, as we eagerly await the Commanders’ season opener against the Cardinals, let’s buckle up for a season that promises surprises, challenges, and maybe, just maybe, a name that won’t change again. But hey, in the NFL, one thing is certain: nothing is ever certain. So, Washington fans, fasten your seatbelts, and let’s see where this rollercoaster of a season takes us.
