Ron Rivera, a two-time NFL Coach of the Year, possesses a deep understanding of what it takes to nurture and guide talented quarterbacks. His previous success with Cam Newton, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance with the Carolina Panthers in 2015, underscores his expertise in maximizing a quarterback’s potential. Now, Rivera observes from a different vantage point as Jayden Daniels, another dual-threat quarterback, ignites the Washington Commanders’ offense and propels them towards a potential playoff berth, marking a remarkable turnaround from their previous 4-13 season. Daniels’ performance has not only positioned him as a frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year but has also solidified the Commanders as a surprising force in the league.
Rivera acknowledges the pivotal role a quarterback plays in the NFL’s success equation, emphasizing the league’s quarterback-driven nature. He lauds the Commanders’ acquisition of Daniels, recognizing the rookie’s exceptional talent and the effective coaching he has received. Daniels’ impressive statistics—21 touchdowns, a mere six interceptions, a 99.4 passer rating, a 69.6% completion rate, and 7.8 yards per pass attempt—underscore his remarkable impact. Furthermore, his ability to contribute as a rusher, averaging 5.5 yards per carry (ranking fifth in the NFL), adds another dimension to the Commanders’ offensive arsenal. This multi-faceted skillset, combined with the team’s improved performance, has transformed the Commanders into a legitimate contender.
Rivera credits offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury for orchestrating the Commanders’ offensive resurgence. Kingsbury’s experience, honed through his tenure as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and as a senior offensive analyst at USC, has proven invaluable in shaping the Commanders’ offensive identity. Rivera highlights Kingsbury’s ability to seamlessly integrate both existing veterans and newly acquired free agents, fostering a cohesive and productive unit. This collaborative effort has resulted in a significant offensive leap, ranking fourth in the NFL with an average of 28.9 points per game. Rivera also acknowledges Dan Quinn’s contributions to the team’s overall improvement.
Reflecting on his own four-season tenure with the Commanders, Rivera candidly discusses the challenges of finding a consistent and reliable quarterback. He cites the team’s struggles at the position, cycling through quarterbacks like Alex Smith (at the end of his career), Taylor Heinicke, Carson Wentz, and Sam Howell. This instability at the quarterback position, according to Rivera, directly contributed to the team’s difficulties in achieving sustained success. His time with Washington yielded just one playoff appearance and a 26-40-1 record, highlighting the critical importance of a franchise quarterback. Despite these challenges, Rivera remains one of the most respected coaches in the NFL, his reputation built on years of experience and a commitment to excellence.
Beyond his coaching acumen, Rivera’s background and upbringing have significantly shaped his leadership style and values. As the son of a U.S. Army Warrant Officer, Rivera emphasizes the importance of discipline, accountability, and teamwork – qualities he absorbed growing up in a military environment. He highlights his partnership with USAA, the sponsor of the annual Army-Navy game, and underscores his commitment to giving back to service members, a value instilled in him from a young age. Rivera’s father’s 32 years of service in the U.S. Army involved frequent relocations, including a stint overseas, eventually settling in Fort Ord, California. These experiences exposed Rivera to the inner workings of military life, reinforcing the importance of structure, cooperation, and responsibility.
Rivera’s deep connection to the military allows him to appreciate the significance of the Army-Navy football game. He describes the rivalry as a contest of pride and bragging rights, a showcase of each academy’s superior team. Beyond the immediate outcome, the game carries added weight with the Commander’s Cup at stake, awarded to the service academy with the best record against other service academies. Rivera emphasizes that this rivalry transcends the football field, representing a deeper competition between the student bodies and holding a special place in the hearts of true football enthusiasts. The 125th edition of this storied rivalry continues to embody the values of discipline, teamwork, and service, values that Rivera himself deeply cherishes.
