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The Washington Commanders lost their second preseason game to the Kansas City Chiefs 24-14. The team looked sloppy, and struggled on 3rd down on both sides of the ball. Carson Wentz and the starting offense didn’t score today, and he took a bad sack on his final play that ended a drive on 3rd down. Rivera was quick to point out that a Commanders’ penalty on the previous play put Wentz in a difficult spot, but he should have got rid of the ball instead of taking a sack that took them out of field goal range completely.
Rivera again brought up rush discipline when talking about things that need to improve. This was a problem last season, and it’s still happening even after the team fired DL coach Sam Mills III. It was easily exposed by a QB like Patrick Mahomes, but Rivera said they still have to play disciplined football. There are also a few things the team needs to shore up with communication in the secondary.
Antonio Gibson started out his day on special teams taking the Commanders first kickoff return. Brian Robinson got the start, and Gibson got a lot of looks catching the ball early in the game. Rivera said he also ran the ball well when he got his opportunities. Rivera thought that Gibson responded very well to what happened last week(fumble) and starting to take reps with special teams. Rivera loves what Gibson can do in space, and he has that skillset from his background as a wide receiver in college.
LIVE: HC Ron Rivera speaks to the media after the game https://t.co/vqrYxP5TrS
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 20, 2022
Have to score points:
Rivera says Wentz and the offense moved the ball effectively but when the Commanders get to the 40 and beyond the team had to put points up. Has to.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 20, 2022
Charles Leno:
Rivera says Charles Leno is dealing with “slight medical issue” so didn’t travel
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 20, 2022
Rush discipline:
Coach Rivera reacts to today's performance pic.twitter.com/SbliuQsrpN
— NBC Sports Commanders (@NBCSCommanders) August 20, 2022
This is one play that really irked Ron Rivera: pic.twitter.com/Z4o6aV79Gl
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 21, 2022
Deleting previous tweet...
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) August 21, 2022
Ron Rivera frustration with Casey Toohill...
"You have to stick to the process. You have to do your job."
Not great. https://t.co/ktVeS1hkfr
In listening to Ron's presser, it sounds like rush discipline is yet again a major concern for him on defense (it's a topic he talked about multiple times in 2021). Well, when you fire the D-line coach and it's still happening...
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) August 20, 2022
Rivera's assessment of the third-down struggles today focused on rush discipline, something the coach harped on early last season.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 20, 2022
Antonio Gibson:
Rivera told reporters they really want to get Gibson the ball in space -- and create situations like that on KO returns. He can be a weapon catching passes out of the backfield: "We have to get him the ball in space."
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 20, 2022