Burgundy & Gold Reaction: Ron Rivera Approval Rating

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November 9, 2021

by David Earl

Let’s Get Right To It: Still “In Ron We Trust“, narrowly

I understand it’s year 2 and in most cases patience would be advised, but try telling that to the most dedicated of Washington fans. Since Dan’s ownership (that article is next) this organization has done nothing but just crush the hopes of this fanbase year after year.  Unfortunately, Ron Rivera has to deal with this reality. Fair or not the idea of “support us now or don’t later” from players is just a tone-deaf reaction that does nothing but stoke the fires within this fan base and Ron, among other examples, gets the brunt of that very frustration from the fans. So when he says things like “we are getting better” or “there were many positives to take from this loss”, it just compounds the players’ irrational gestures to a fan base that has sufferred for well over 2 decades. As Rick Snider of Rick Snider’s Washington eludes to, the fact Ron and his staff have been out-coached nearly every week and every phase of the game this year has also been noticed by many. So it’s understandable why many feel a quick hook for Ron Rivera may be best for this franchise going forward. But is that really the right thing, though?

Let’s Be Fair Too

To recap Ron’s first year:

Ron Rivera, when accepting this position, had an understanding of what he was taking over from the Sins of Bruce Allen (highly recommend you read) but in no way could he have possibly forecast the perfect storm ahead. Ron knew the culture shift that had to be done and that started with the release of Quinton Dunbar and the trade of Trent Williams as he wanted players and staff with an all-in mentality, which most fans agreed with. While all was steady through the draft, and heading into an unprecedented offseason with COVID, the winds in the sails took a dramatic turn, not in his favor. One can argue that the scandals and name controversy would be plenty to completely fracture a normal locker room, but Rivera not only held it together but did so battling cancer. Sure, many were skeptical about just how good a 7-9 team was plus just how “elite” the defense really was, especially the defensive line, but that takes away just how good Ron was keeping this team together in 2020. Robert Henson said on The Hog Sty’s Bye Week Spectacular podcast, “Ron will most certainly be afforded 8-10 years,” with which I tend to agree barring a complete and total meltdown of this organization. Robert had some great insight in this too, and I suggest you listen.

Ron’s 3-5 year plan has not and should not changed just because the team tripped its way into a 2020 division title, and despite some evident regression. Keep in mind Ron was a military brat and has always had connections within the military so to say he has no experience is a bit brash. I get the frustration, especially with the coach-speak because we’ve all grown tired of this same song and dance, but he isn’t wrong on how deep toxicity can run in a military unit. Veterans like myself can surely speak to the years of “a good ole boy network” that not only takes a toll on a unit but the potential years of damage it can cause to the cohesiveness of the unit. While in my experience it was rare, I have joined units where the morale was very low.  That was a problem that was not an overnight fix for new leadership. Much like a new military commander inheriting a unit with fractured morale, considering the laundry list of issues for Washington in 2020 alone, any quick turnaround from this team was near impossible. To those commenting about other organizations which made a quick turnaround, I dare you to show me as dysfunctional of an organization as the one Ron Rivera inherited in Washington. I’m not looking for excuses, but merely trying to put into perspective what Ron took over and the work that needs to be done won’t be quick.

Accountability in Team’s Regression

It’s agreed that the team’s regression, especially on the defensive side of the ball, does fall harshly and rightfully on Ron’s plate. Entering this season the hype around the defense, particularly the talented defensive line, gave plenty of hope, even moreso with the key additions on offense. Adding Ryan Fitzpatrick was supposed to be a QB that would elevate this offense to a respectable level (which end quicker than it started). When he went down, the fanbase had confidence in Taylor Heinicke. There was finally going to be an offense capable of explosive plays; plus, many expected Antonio Gibson to become a poor man’s version of Christian McCafferty. This offense was supposed to be backed by a projected top 5 defensive unit led by what most considered to be the most talented and fierce defensive line in the NFL. With Jack Del Rio at the controls many saw no flaws heading into week 1 with some, including ESPN’s Mike Greenberg, projecting Washington to be a sleeper to dethrone the champs. Fast forward to the present day and we are now fighting to be freed from a Freddy Kreuger-style nightmare. Although the defensive line has actually produced more pressure than last year, they are just not getting home. Some even point to selfish play. The linebacker core, which is Ron’s bread and butter, has been abused repeatedly in the passing game. Landon Collins has been playing on the outside even though his natural position as a downhill in the box safety. William Jackson III has not lived up to expectations and, as was mentioned on the show, it may have more to do with him not having confidence in his backside help and trying to do too much than it does talent. All in all, this defense has been downright offensive week in and week out, which is something for which Ron must be held fully accountable. As Robert Henson eluded to, after week 3 of the season and nothing appears to work in the slightest, it’s simply time to go back to the fundamentals. I know expecting that to happen this week against Tampa Bay is asking quite a bit, it’s a fair request from a fan base that just wants consistency and wins.

Closing Thoughts

I fully agree in giving Ron more time.  Placing the “hot seat” label on him should not even be a consideration. This organization was never going to be a quick turnaround and I honestly believe winning a bad division last year did Ron and this organization no favors. This season has shown just how far away the team is, and this gauntlet of tough games on the schedule exposed every aspect of this team, which has just simply been bad. Outside of the linebacker position, Ron needs to find a true franchise quarterback in the 2022 offseason or Ron won’t see another 2 more years. Thus, for me, I will remain patient and skeptical as I support Ron Rivera going forward without reservations, but another year of regression will not bode well.