Fansided

Behind Ron Rivera, Washington begins the long climb back

By Jacob Camenker

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Redskins interviews during the second day of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Redskins interviews during the second day of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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A rebrand and a rebuild are on in the nation’s capital, with Ron Rivera leading the charge in Washington.

Best-case scenario

Ron Rivera institute a new culture, Dwayne Haskins succeeds as a starting quarterback, and the team approach a .500 record. For the Football Team, this is about building towards something good in the future. If Haskins looks legitimate and Rivera gets the franchise going in the right direction, this is a great year regardless of the wins and losses.

Worst-case scenario

Off-field issues with the franchise permeate through the organization and continue the dysfunction of previous years. Haskins struggles as a starter and the defense doesn’t live up to expectations on the back end.

If those two things happen, one wonders when the Football Team ever gets going. At some juncture, quarterback and owner issues are impossible to overcome.

Biggest offseason move

The hiring or Rivera. His presence has already made a huge impact for a team in turmoil. If he can help point the team in the right direction on and off the field, that would be a huge step in the right direction for Washington.

Rivera comes in with serious credentials. He went to the Super Bowl as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2015, leading them there with a 15-1 record. Rivera also won a Super Bowl as a player, doing so as a linebacker with the ’85 Bears.

Draft pick who makes the big impact

Chase Young. He was the best defensive player in college football last season and looks like a pro-ready pass rusher. He could notch double-digit sacks and should compete for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

If Young becomes what everyone is expecting, Washington has a very tough front. The line is loaded up with first-round picks ranging from Young and Ryan Kerrigan to Da’Ron Payne and Jonathan Allen.

Overall expectations

Washington should be better than it was last year, but it still isn’t ready to make a playoff run. The Football Team should notch five or six wins, but the key part of the season will be the install of Rivera’s system in Washington.

If the young players can progress while the veteran help build a hard-working locker room culture, that would be a success. The wins don’t matter as much this year. It’s all about rebuilding the right way.