Tag: Hackett

Dec 25, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett reacts in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jets OC Nathaniel Hackett in spotlight before game vs. Broncos

Posted on | by Field Level Media

An interview given back in July continues to resonate ahead of the Denver Broncos’ Sunday home game against the New York Jets.

New Broncos head coach Sean Payton spoke with USA Today in the summer, ripping the job done last year by his predecessor, Nathaniel Hackett. Denver posted a 4-11 record during Hackett’s brief tenure in charge, and Payton said that he could get more out of quarterback Russell Wilson than Hackett did.

Hackett is now the Jets’ offensive coordinator, and his new team hasn’t forgotten the slight.

“It definitely feels like an entire organization threw him under the bus, from the firing in the first place and then those comments,” New York center Connor McGovern, a former Bronco, said on Thursday, according to the New York Post. “It’s not an easy job, and Hack’s such a great guy.

“I personally don’t need any extra motivation to go win a football game, but you definitely have your guy’s back, and want to do everything you can to make sure that you have Hack’s back.

“Anything you can do, if you feel like you need to do extra then do that, ’cause a guy like Hack you want to go fight for.”

While Payton walked back his criticism of Hackett days after the interview was published, Hackett acknowledged on Thursday that Payton has yet to speak directly with him.

Hackett added, “This game is about those guys out on the field. It’s not about me. Gotta go win a football game.”

The Jets enter the contest with a 1-3 record, having lost three in a row since quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down with a season-ending Achilles injury in the opener. The Broncos (1-3) ended a three-game skid by overcoming a 21-point, second-half deficit to beat the Chicago Bears last week.

–Field Level Media

East Rutherford, NJ August 26, 2023 -- Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and Aaron Rodgers in the first half. The NY Jets against the NY Giants on August 26, 2023 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, as the rivals play their final preseason game before the start of the NFL season.

Jets OC Nathaniel Hackett certain Aaron Rodgers will play in ’24

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Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett has graduated from shock and disbelief, even if the New York Jets play-caller still can’t put his emotions over the season-ending injury to Aaron Rodgers into words.

“I don’t think there are words to describe it … I just feel horrible for him,” Hackett said Thursday.

The Jets had to turn the page at quarterback in real time from Rodgers to Zach Wilson. Hackett spent multiple seasons working with Rodgers in Green Bay and most of the past four months working in lockstep with Rodgers to fine tune New York’s offensive scheme for the 2023 season.

Much of that prep work unraveled in four snaps Monday, at which point the four-time league MVP suffered a torn left Achilles tendon. With Rodgers on injured reserve, Wilson and Tim Boyle, another former Packers quarterback, make up the depth chart as the Jets get ready for the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

Hackett denied he’s planning to turn Wilson from self-described “gunslinger” to a game manager, a widely held opinion based on head coach Robert Saleh’s assertion that the Jets plan to lean on their championship-caliber defense.

“I want every quarterback to be a quarterback,” Hackett said.

Rodgers turns 40 in December, and speculation about his recovery from surgery and a potential return to the Jets to honor his contract remains rampant. Rodgers said in a social media message he will “rise again,” and Hackett clearly believes he already knows the future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee will return.

“Oh yeah,” Hackett said. “Whenever Aaron’s got his mind set on something, good luck for anybody that wants to change his mind.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 25, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett reacts in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jets OC Nathaniel Hackett: Sean Payton violated coaching code

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Nathaniel Hackett owns his professional mistakes with Broncos, the errors that led to being fired last December before his first season as a head coach was over.

Hackett was 4-11 when he was fired by the Broncos before Christmas 2022.

But Hackett, in his first season as offensive coordinator of the New York Jets, wondered aloud Tuesday whether the new man in Denver, Sean Payton, understands the depths of the wounds inflicted by taking his review of Hackett’s run with the Broncos public.

Hackett, son of longtime NFL coach Paul Hackett, said Payton clearly violated coaching code.

“I’ve been involved in this business my whole life, 43 years, and as a coach, as a coach’s kid, we live in a glass house. We know that,” Hackett said Tuesday. “… And it’s one of those things that there’s a code, there’s a way things are done in that house. This past week, it’s frustrating and it sucks, but we’re all susceptible to it. There are things you do, mistakes you make, and it costs you time on the field, costs you your job, all those things, and I own all that stuff.”

Payton made the comments to USA Today last week, labeling Hackett’s coaching performance last year in Denver “one of the worst” jobs he’d ever seen in the NFL.

While Payton said he regretted the comments soon after the interview details were published, Hackett said he expected to hear some sharp criticism before the teams meet in Week 5. The game is in Denver.

“I’ve got no excuses,” Hackett said. “That’s how we live here at the New York Jets, that’s how we’ve lived everywhere I’ve been — no excuses. So I own all those things. It’s unfortunate that that had to happen, that the comments that were made, but hey, they did. I’ll tell you: I was probably more surprised that they happened now. (I) was definitely expecting them in Week 5, so I’m almost thankful that we got that out of the way. We all understand where certain people feel and think. I’ll tell you, you can always look at that silver lining, and … man.”

Hackett said the comments galvanized the team in some respects. He immediately heard from owner Woody Johnson and head coach Robert Saleh, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers took his defense of Hackett public.

“Everybody has been unbelievable. I think that’s something that is just awesome,” Hackett said. “It’s brought our team together, even the old players that I’ve coached very recently, just being able to hear them. It makes you realize that you do this for a very specific reason — for the love of the game, for the love of teaching, for the love of watching people grow. There’s up and downs. Never get too high, never get too low. Gotta love this stuff.”

–Field Level Media

Jul 28, 2023; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton dresses the media after training camp at Centura Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos coach Sean Payton regrets remarks about former coach

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One day after candidly criticizing former Denver coach Nathaniel Hackett, new Broncos coach Sean Payton backed off his verbal assault and said he made a mistake.

Payton referred to Hackett in an interview with USA Today on Thursday as doing “one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL,” during his 15-game stint last season. The Broncos were 4-11 when they fired Hackett and finished 5-12.

“Listen, I had one of those moments where I still had my FOX hat on and not my coaching hat on,” Payton said at Friday’s news conference, referencing his former television studio analyst stint. “I said this to the team in a meeting yesterday, we’ve had a great offseason relative to that and I’ve been preaching that message, and here I am, the veteran, stepping in it. It was a learning experience for me, it was a mistake, obviously. I need a little bit more filter.

“There’s a pound of flesh for these guys, and as a coach you stick up for them, and after a while we’re past that season last year and, you know, I said what I said. Obviously, I needed a little bit more restraint and I regret that.”

Payton said he was regretting his words 40 minutes after saying them.

Payton also criticized the way the Broncos’ organization handled the lead-up to the 2022 season after acquiring quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks.

After the buildup, Wilson endured a horrific season and Payton told USA Today the problem wasn’t just Wilson. He said it was an organization-wide mess-up — and among the culprits he pointed toward was general manager George Paton, his new boss.

Payton also attempted to soften that blow on Friday.

“The front office and the ownership are the two reasons I came here,” Payton said. “George and I are close; he was one of the big attractions, he and ownership. My point was it was just across the board organizationally. It wasn’t one person.”

Hackett is now the offensive coordinator of the Jets and Payton even took shots at that organization, which obtained high-profile quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the offseason. He said the Jets were trying to win the offseason.

New York coach Robert Saleh fired back at Payton on Thursday, including saying, “Obviously we’re doing something right if you’ve gotta talk about us when we don’t play you until Week (5).”

Payton said he planned to reach out to Saleh and the Jets.

“Yeah, at the right time. I think the world of Robert, I know him,” Payton said. “I don’t know Nathaniel. At the right time. It certainly will bring more interest to the game when we play them, but that seems like years from now. But I’ll handle it the right way.”

Payton, 59, was brought in to revive the fortunes of the Broncos, who have missed the playoffs in seven straight seasons. He coached the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl title during the 2009 season.

The addition of Wilson did little to spark the offense as Denver scored 16 or fewer points in 11 of the 15 games under Hackett.

After Hackett’s departure, the Broncos scored 24 and 31 points while splitting two games under interim coach Jerry Rosburg.

Wilson passed for 3,524 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 games last season. He was a Pro Bowl selection in nine of 10 seasons with the Seahawks prior to the trade.

–Field Level Media

Dec 11, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett prior to the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Jets hire Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator

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Nathaniel Hackett was hired as offensive coordinator of the New York Jets, his first landing spot since being fired as head coach of the Denver Broncos in December.

One of at least 14 candidates the Jets interviewed for the post, Hackett, 43, was offensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers from 2019-21 and was named head coach of the Broncos 364 days ago.

A West Coast offense disciple, Hackett is the son of Paul Hackett, who served as Jets offensive coordinator (2001-04) under Herman Edwards.

Hackett replaces Mike LaFleur, who was fired by the Jets at the end of the regular season. Only the Indianapolis Colts (28) produced fewer than New York’s 29 total touchdowns in 2022, and only the Pittsburgh Steelers (12) produced fewer touchdown passes than the Jets’ 15.

Quarterback decisions are at the top of the 2023 offseason list for the Jets, who must determine whether 2021 first-round pick Zach Wilson can be the answer. If not, a basket of draft capital might be used to acquire a big-name veteran.

Speculation about Hackett’s ability to help New York land Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers follows the same connecting of dots that occurred in Denver. Though he called plays for the Buffalo Bills (2013-14) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-18), Hackett didn’t with the Packers. Instead, that was done by Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur in Rodgers’ MVP seasons in 2020 and 2021.

But the Broncos didn’t end up with Rodgers, who signed a new contract with the Packers last March, and Denver’s offense never got off the ground with former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson at the controls. Other veterans in play as free agents or via trade with experience in a similar system include Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers), Derek Carr (Raiders), Baker Mayfield (Rams) and Tom Brady (Buccaneers).

Garoppolo is an unrestricted free agent with a 40-17 career record and has direct ties to Jets head coach Robert Saleh from their four seasons together in San Francisco (2017-20).

Jets owner Woody Johnson said earlier in January that he views a veteran quarterback as the “missing piece” for the franchise to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

Johnson said “full autonomy” was granted for Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas to make changes. Johnson is expected to encourage the team to hold on to Wilson, who was benched after a 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots sparked the team’s stumble to a 1-7 record in the final eight games.

The Jets finished last in the AFC East for the seventh time in nine years.

Not developing a quarterback — Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Sam Darnold and Wilson had multiple seasons at the helm from 2011-22 — continues to concern Johnson. However, he’s apparently not convinced Wilson isn’t the right guy.

Johnson said letting Wilson develop behind a veteran starter has been his preference from the time the Jets drafted him.

“Zach had a tough year. There’s no denying that,” Johnson said. “I still have confidence that I’ve seen some kernels of real talent there. But the confidence level … whatever it was, went down.”

Also Thursday, the Jets named Keith Carter offensive line coach and run game coordinator. Carter spent the past five seasons with the Tennessee Titans and worked with Saleh on the Seattle Seahawks’ coaching staff in 2012-13.

Hackett was chosen by the Broncos to replace Vic Fangio after spending the previous three seasons with Packers. But the Broncos found themselves back in the head coach hiring pool after firing Hackett on Dec. 26, one day after an ugly 51-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams dropped the team to 4-11.

–Field Level Media

Dec 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos fire coach Nathaniel Hackett after ugly loss

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The Denver Broncos fired first-year coach Nathaniel Hackett on Monday, one day after an ugly 51-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams dropped the team to 4-11.

It ends the shortest head coaching tenure in franchise history.

Broncos CEO Greg Penner released a statement thanking Hackett for his efforts.

“Following extensive conversations with (general manager) George (Paton) and our ownership group, we determined a new direction would ultimately be in the best interest of the Broncos,” Penner said. “This change was made now out of respect for everyone involved and allows us to immediately begin the search for a new head coach.”

Hackett, 43, was hired on Jan. 27 to replace Vic Fangio after spending the previous three seasons as the offensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers.

But Hackett couldn’t get anything out of the Denver offense this season despite the costly acquisition of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.

–Field Level Media

Oct 17, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett reacts during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

London Falling? Nathaniel Hackett’s job may be on line with Broncos

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A battle between 2-5 teams in London that starts at 9:30 a.m. ET wouldn’t typically draw much interest stateside, but Sunday’s game at Wembley has plenty of storylines.

Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson said he is “ready to rock” against the Jacksonville Jaguars after missing last week’s loss to the New York Jets. He’ll be back in the lineup and trying to keep the Broncos within shouting distance in the AFC playoff picture.

Wilson might also be fighting for his head coach’s job.

Carolina’s Matt Rhule was the first head coach let go this season, and Denver’s Nathaniel Hackett is the current -150 favorite at SportsBetting.ag to be the next one to go.

It’s highly unusual for a first-year NFL coach to be fired midseason, but Hackett has been under intense scrutiny since the Broncos’ season-opening loss at Seattle. One of the most coveted assistant coaches in the league, Hackett was hired away from the Green Bay Packers over the offseason, but that was under a different ownership group.

Wilson was given a five-year extension after being acquired from the Seahawks despite having two years left on his contract. While he has received his share of the blame for Denver being ranked 23rd in total offense, Wilson isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

ESPN reported Wednesday that there is some chatter in league circles that Hackett’s job could be on the line Sunday. After a promising start, the Jaguars have dropped four consecutive games but are still 2.5-point favorites at BetMGM to beat the Broncos and 2-point favorites at DraftKings.

Hackett leapfrogged Arizona’s Kliff Kingsbury as the favorite to be the next coach fired after the Cardinals routed New Orleans to open Week 7. The return of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins helped spark the Cardinals’ slumbering offense and Kingsbury is now being offered at +250 after being the -105 favorite last week.

Next NFL Coach Fired Odds
Nathaniel Hackett, Broncos, -150
Kliff Kingsbury, Cardinals, +250
Frank Reich, Colts, +400
Dan Campbell, Lions, +750
Dennis Allen, Saints, +1400
Kevin Stefanski, Browns, +1600
Ron Rivera, Commanders, +1800
Lovie Smith, Texans, +4000

Reich and Campbell entered the season in very comfortable positions. Reich because the Colts were expected to be a potential threat to the favorites in the AFC and Campbell because the Lions appeared poised to finally compete for a playoff spot.

The expectations in both cities have fallen flat.

Indianapolis has benched quarterback Matt Ryan, the latest veteran offseason acquisition to flop for the Colts, following in the footsteps of Carson Wentz, who replaced Philip Rivers after just one season. Reich has reportedly been in high-level meetings involving owner Jim Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard.

Detroit won its opener and the offense was flying high in September. But the Lions have since dropped four consecutive games and have scored a total of six points over their past eight quarters. They lost 24-6 to Dallas last week coming out of their bye week.

One coach who has seemingly removed himself from the hot seat – at least temporarily – is Rivera. Washington’s third-year head coach has seen his team win consecutive games to crawl back into the NFC playoff picture despite Taylor Heinicke replacing the injured Wentz.

The Commanders will face Sam Ehlinger on Sunday in his first career start for Indianapolis. That could be a critical game for Washington, which plays host to Minnesota in Week 9 before a trip to Philadelphia.

–Field Level Media

Oct 17, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Wilson likely game-time decision for Broncos vs. Jets

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Denver Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett said Friday that the team likely will make the call on gameday whether to play injured quarterback Russell Wilson against the visiting New York Jets on Sunday.

“He’s day-to-day at this point, so it’ll probably be a game-time (decision),” Hackett told reporters. “We just want to be sure he can protect himself. That’s the most important thing.”

Wilson was limited in practice for the third consecutive day and was listed as questionable to play Sunday after he hurt his hamstring during Monday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He’s also playing through an injury to his throwing shoulder, a partially torn lat muscle that required a platelet-rich plasma injection.

Backup Brett Rypien would be tapped to start if Wilson can’t go. Rypien shared first-string reps with Wilson at practice to prepare for that possibility. Journeyman Josh Johnson is also with Denver but would need to be called up from the practice squad.

The Broncos’ offense has struggled despite the offseason acquisition of Wilson. The former Super Bowl winner has thrown for 1,442 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions through six games, completing 58.6 percent of his passes, far below his career average of 64.8.

Last season marked the first time in his 11-year NFL career that Wilson missed a game, ending a 149-game ironman streak. He missed three in all last season for the Seattle Seahawks.

“He’s a grinder,” Hackett said. “He works hard and he’s tough. That’s who he is — he fights through everything.”

Denver cornerback Essang Bassey (hamstring) was ruled out and safety Caden Sterns (hip) was listed as doubtful. Defensive tackle DeShawn Williams did not practice Friday with a back injury and is questionable, along with offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz (foot), linebacker Josey Jewell (knee) and defensive tackle D.J. Jones (ankle).

The Jets ruled out defensive end Jermaine Johnson II (ankle) and wide receiver Elijah Moore, who requested a trade Thursday. Safety Ashtyn Davis (hamstring) is questionable.

–Field Level Media

Aug 27, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien (4) prepares to pass the ball the ball in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos give QB Brett Rypien starter reps with Wilson limited

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The Denver Broncos are preparing quarterback Brett Rypien for the event that he must start Sunday’s game against the visiting New York Jets in place of the injured Russell Wilson.

Wilson was a limited participant for the second straight practice due to a hamstring injury suffered in last week’s 19-16 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He’s also playing through a injury to his throwing shoulder, a partially torn lat muscle.

Coach Nathaniel Hackett said Wilson looked “very good” Thursday and declined to say how the reps were being split.

“We’re working through all that,” Hackett said. “We want to be sure that we are taking care of Russ and making sure he is getting ready for the game. I don’t know the number exactly. We want to be sure we are getting everybody ready to go.”

That includes not only Rypien but journeyman Josh Johnson, who is on Denver’s practice squad.

Rypien, the nephew of Super Bowl-winning quarterback Mark Rypien, has played in four NFL games and made one start. Coincidentally, that came against the New York Jets in 2020, a game Denver won as Rypien went for 242 yards on 19-of-31 passing with two touchdowns and three interceptions.

The Jets (4-2) and the Broncos (2-4) are among the NFL’s biggest surprises this year for different reasons. The Jets have won three straight games, including last week on the road against the Green Bay Packers, while the Broncos’ offense has struggled despite the offseason acquisition of Wilson.

Wilson has thrown for 1,442 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions through six games, completing 58.6 percent of his passes, far below his career average of 64.8. Last season marked the first time in his 11-year NFL career that he missed a game, ending a 149-game ironman streak.

“You want the guys that want to be on the field,” Hackett said. “They’re going to do every single thing they can, and they think that they can play all the time. Those are the tough discussions you have to have with people because you don’t want to put anybody out there that isn’t healthy.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 9, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, U.S.; Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury yells instructions to his team before playing against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium. Nfl Eagles At Cardinals

NFL Hot Seats: Will TNF be Kliff Kingsbury’s last with Cardinals?

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The Arizona Cardinals need wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to have an immediate impact in his return from suspension to stay in the playoff picture, and his coach may need it to keep his job.

Arizona plays host to New Orleans on Thursday night with the Cardinals (2-4) last in the NFC West and ahead of only two teams in the conference. There is plenty of time for Arizona to turn its season around, but potentially only one more time for Kliff Kingsbury to prove he’s the coach to lead it.

Kingsbury was installed as the +150 favorite by SportsBetting.ag to be the next coach fired after Carolina let go of Matt Rhule last week. The Cardinals then went out and failed to score an offensive touchdown in a 19-9 loss at Seattle.

Kingsbury is now the odd-on favorite at -105 at the sportsbook, well ahead of Denver’s embattled first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett (+200).

Next NFL Coach Fired Odds
–Kliff Kingsbury, Cardinals: -105
–Nathaniel Hackett, Broncos: +200
–Ron Rivera, Commanders, +300
–Frank Reich, Colts: +1200
–Dan Campbell, Lions: +1600
–Kevin Stefanski, Browns: +2200
–Matt Eberflus, Bears: +3300

At the heart of the issue is Kingsbury’s once-potent offense.

The Cardinals rank 16th in total yards per game (346.0), a number that is inflated while playing from behind in most contests this season. Arizona ranks 22nd in points per game (19.0) after averaging 16 over the past four weeks – and that includes a defensive touchdown last week.

Hopkins returns from his six-game suspension on Thursday night and will step into an overhaul receiving corps from just last Sunday. The Cardinals lost Marquise Brown for at least a month to a foot injury and acquired veteran Robbie Anderson from the Panthers.

“I hope that he can provide just a spark,” Kingsbury said of Hopkins. “The way he competes and his play making, his after-the-catch stuff, he’s a guy you get it close to him he’s going to make a play on the ball.”

Meanwhile, Hackett continues to be heavily criticized for the Broncos’ poor offense and questionable in-game decisions after Denver also fell to 2-4 on Monday night. However, he is expected to at least be given a full season to right the ship.

In a more tenuous positions would appear to be Rivera. Now in his third season with the Commanders, Rivera is turning back to Taylor Heinicke with Carson Wentz sidelined by a finger injury.

Rivera may have earned a bit more breathing room with a hard-fought win last week, but it came against 2-4 Chicago and Washington still enters Week 7 two games behind Dallas for third in the NFC East.

Following Sunday’s home game against Green Bay, Washington travels to Indianapolis before playing host to Minnesota. It could be a critical three-game stretch in determining Rivera’s future with the Commanders.

–Field Level Media