Ron Rivera On Why The Army-Navy Game Is Important And Why Washington Commanders Are Winning

Ron Rivera has a deep understanding of what it takes to coach elite quarterbacks in the NFL. Over the years, he has worked with some of the most dynamic players in the game, leaving an indelible mark on their careers and his own coaching legacy.

During his nine-year tenure as head coach of the Carolina Panthers, Rivera guided the team through both highs and lows. His most memorable achievement came during the 2015 season when he coached star quarterback Cam Newton, leading the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance. Newton, a dual-threat quarterback with an uncanny ability to dominate both through the air and on the ground, won the league MVP that year. Rivera’s efforts during his time in Carolina earned him the prestigious NFL Coach of the Year award twice, in 2013 and 2015.

Fast forward to the present day, and Rivera’s influence continues to ripple through the league, particularly in Washington. The Commanders have found new life under the electrifying play of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has quickly made his mark as one of the most exciting players in the NFL. As of Week 15, Daniels has propelled the Commanders to an 8-5 record, positioning the team as a strong playoff contender and solidifying his case as the frontrunner for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Rivera, who coached the Commanders through the 2023 season, has closely observed Washington’s dramatic turnaround. Coming off a disappointing 4-13 campaign last year, the Commanders have become one of the league’s biggest surprises. Much of their success, according to Rivera, stems from their ability to secure a game-changing quarterback.

“The biggest thing is it’s a quarterback-driven league,” Rivera explained. “They went out and got maybe the top rookie quarterback this year in Jayden Daniels. He’s come in, he’s been coached very well.”

Under the leadership of Daniels, the Commanders have flourished offensively. They currently rank fourth in the NFL in scoring, averaging an impressive 28.9 points per game. This offensive explosion has been fueled by Daniels’ dynamic playmaking ability, both as a passer and a runner. The 23-year-old quarterback has accounted for 21 total touchdowns this season, throwing for 15 and running for six more. His decision-making has been equally impressive, as he has thrown just six interceptions. With a 99.4 passer rating, a 69.6% completion rate, and 7.8 yards per pass attempt, Daniels leads all rookies in these critical passing metrics. His production on the ground is just as noteworthy, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and amassing 590 rushing yards, placing him among the league’s top rushing quarterbacks.

Rivera is quick to acknowledge the pivotal role that coaching has played in Daniels’ rapid development. He attributes much of the young quarterback’s success to first-year offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury, a well-known name in football circles, brings a wealth of experience to the Commanders. He previously served as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, where he helped Kyler Murray thrive as a dual-threat quarterback. Before that, Kingsbury worked as a senior offensive analyst for the USC Trojans, aiding in the development of another star quarterback, Caleb Williams.

“Kliff has done an outstanding job,” Rivera said. “He knows how to tailor an offense to fit a quarterback’s strengths, and you’re seeing that with how Jayden is performing this season.”

The synergy between Daniels and Kingsbury has been evident throughout the season. Kingsbury’s offensive schemes have maximized Daniels’ skill set, allowing him to shine as both a passer and a runner. By incorporating creative play designs and leveraging Daniels’ athleticism, Kingsbury has turned the Commanders’ offense into a juggernaut. Their ability to consistently put points on the board has been a revelation, especially considering the team’s struggles in recent years.

Daniels’ ability to extend plays with his legs has been a game-changer for Washington. His 5.5 yards per carry rank fifth in the NFL among all players, not just quarterbacks. This dual-threat capability forces defenses to stay honest, opening up opportunities for the Commanders’ running backs and receivers. As a result, Washington’s offense has become one of the most balanced and unpredictable units in the league.

The rookie quarterback’s poise under pressure has also drawn praise. Despite being just 23 years old, Daniels has shown a veteran-like composure in critical moments. His ability to make clutch throws and smart decisions has been instrumental in the Commanders’ success. Whether it’s leading a game-winning drive or converting a crucial third down, Daniels has demonstrated the kind of leadership that elevates a team.

Rivera’s admiration for Daniels goes beyond the stat sheet. He sees the young quarterback as a player who embodies the qualities of a true leader. “He’s got that ‘it’ factor,” Rivera said. “You can see it in how his teammates respond to him. They believe in him, and that’s a powerful thing.”

Washington’s resurgence under Daniels has brought renewed energy to a fanbase hungry for success. After years of mediocrity, the Commanders are finally emerging as a team to watch. While much of the credit goes to Daniels and Kingsbury, the foundation laid by Rivera during his time with the team cannot be overlooked. His emphasis on building a strong culture and fostering player development has had a lasting impact.

As the Commanders continue their playoff push, the spotlight will remain on Daniels. His performances in the final weeks of the season will likely determine whether Washington can secure a postseason berth. Regardless of how the season ends, Daniels has already cemented his place as one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the league.

Rivera, who has seen his fair share of talented quarterbacks during his coaching career, believes Daniels has the potential to reach even greater heights. “The sky’s the limit for him,” Rivera said. “He’s got all the tools, and with the right support, he can be one of the best in the league for years to come.”

Daniels’ journey to NFL stardom is a testament to the importance of talent, coaching, and opportunity. His rise mirrors the trajectory of other great dual-threat quarterbacks like Newton, Murray, and Lamar Jackson. Like them, Daniels has the ability to change the game with his unique skill set, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

For Rivera, watching Daniels’ growth has been a rewarding experience. As someone who has dedicated his career to coaching and mentoring players, seeing a young talent thrive is a reminder of why he loves the game. Whether it’s mentoring a former MVP like Newton or witnessing the emergence of a rising star like Daniels, Rivera’s impact on the game of football is undeniable.

In the end, the success of the Commanders this season underscores the importance of finding the right quarterback. As Rivera noted, the NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and teams that can identify and develop talent at the position are the ones that thrive. With Daniels at the helm, Washington looks poised to be a contender for years to come. The combination of his raw talent, Kingsbury’s innovative coaching, and the organization’s commitment to building a winning culture has created a recipe for sustained success.

As the season heads into its final stretch, all eyes will be on Daniels and the Commanders. Can the rookie sensation continue his remarkable run and lead Washington to the playoffs? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Jayden Daniels has already made his mark, and the future looks bright for both him and the Washington Commanders.