The Washington Commanders were in control of Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. After falling short in overtime against the Eagles in Week 4, it looked like the Commanders may upset the Eagles this time around.
On the Eagles’ second possession of the third quarter, they were facing a fourth-and-4. In true Nick Sirianni fashion, or perhaps his lack of respect for Washington’s struggling defense, chose to go for it. Quarterback Jalen Hurts found an open DeVonta Smith across the middle for a first down at the Washington 28-yard line.
Officials called it a catch — no debate. But was it a catch? The FOX cameras quickly showed the replays, and if reviewed, there was no way the officials could have stayed with the call. Well, it is NFL officiating, so there’s that.
But judge for yourself.
Devonta smith got credited with a catch for this lmaoo pic.twitter.com/DM0VGj4keX
— John (@iam_johnw) October 29, 2023
The Eagles would score a few plays later, tying the game. While the Commanders would score on their next possession, Smith’s “catch” was on fourth down. Had it been ruled correctly, it would have been Washington ball and prevented a Philadelphia score.
Why didn’t Ron Rivera challenge the call?
Here is Rivera in his own words.
Ron Rivera never saw the replay of DeVonta Smiths 4th down catch, and that’s why he didn’t challenge pic.twitter.com/jigmtPlBuE
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 29, 2023
Amazing.
As expected, Twitter — or X — sounded off on Rivera’s latest gaffe. Here are some of the best reactions.
Fans have had enough
Our players didn’t lose this game. Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio did…
It’s sad, because these guys played their asses off today – especially the offense 🤦♂️
Today should show EVERYONE the difference between good coaches and bad ones; good front offices and poor ones.
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) October 29, 2023
Ron Rivera cost us the game. Single handily, by himself. Actually impressive to be as bad as he was today. You can't even coach that poorly in a game of Madden. Like, it wouldn't let you. Send him to Mars @MagicJohnson
— Eric Nathan (@BarstoolNate) October 29, 2023
A realistic viewpoint
This concludes the meaningful portion of Ron Rivera's coaching career.
— Burgundy Blog (@BurgundyBlog) October 29, 2023
More from fans
It's absolutely insanity that Washington has had to beat
The Eagles
The Refs
And Ron Rivera today.— Bucket (@Bucket_WFTFan) October 29, 2023
Per source: There was no challenge because Ron Rivera couldn’t get his hands uncrossed in time to reach for the challenge flag pic.twitter.com/3RjxG6v5h1
— 𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗵𝗮𝗻 🪖 (@Howell2McLaurin) October 29, 2023
Fans wanting change
Letting Ron Rivera and this staff finish the season is equivalent to being the sober friend in the passenger seat with a license and letting the drunk driver remain at the wheel even though you’ve repeatedly watched him swerve off the road
— PoeticGenius916 (@CMont916) October 29, 2023
Make Beinemy the coach, Fire Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio, trade whoever Pass Rusher you feel necessary, Keep Larsen and Paul as the starters and replace Andrew Wylie with Cornelius Lucas and go from there……
PS Sam Howell is the Red Wolf. #HTTC #Commanders
— Redwolves4thQTCOMEBACK?? (@Lennyfrigginleo) October 29, 2023
Ron Rivera has to go @MagicJohnson. He has to. There’s no justification for keeping him any longer. None. Zero. pic.twitter.com/6yZaUDwGdw
— Eric Nathan (@BarstoolNate) October 29, 2023
Rivera's sideline posture
Live look at Ron Rivera as we head to 0-3 in the division pic.twitter.com/D78vKxK7Ln
— PoeticGenius916 (@CMont916) October 29, 2023
Ron Rivera probably couldn’t uncross his arms fast enough to reach for his challenge flag. #HTTC
— KB 🏈 (@KBDCSports) October 29, 2023
Ron Rivera owes Sam Howell an apology.
Uncross your arms, dummy and throw the challenge flag.#httc pic.twitter.com/ugqWSiKNs2— Pete (@peteybergen) October 29, 2023
Commanders Wire weighs in
Once again, sadly, Ron Rivera was a step slow.
The 4th down pass was incomplete.
Rivera did not throw a red flag,
2 plays later Eagles get an AJ Brown TD reception!#Commanders and Eagles tied at 17
3Q— Ivan Lambert (@IvanLambert18) October 29, 2023
Ron Rivera somehow did not challenge that Smith "Catch." This leads us to the question (AGAIN), what does Rivera do?
— Commanders Wire (@Washington_Wire) October 29, 2023
Even more
The eagles running their special “hurry the fuck up and get to the line of scrimmage” play as Ron’s transition lenses change from light to dark and he fallls asleep https://t.co/uwVrAK8KyR
— PFT Commenter (JMU 8-0) (@PFTCommenter) October 29, 2023
4th and 4 and this is what Del Rio does… pathetic!
And SMITH DOES NOT make this catch. Of course idiot Rivera doesn’t challenge pic.twitter.com/aYPBo7X9Yx
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) October 29, 2023
Ron Rivera Is An Absolute Bozo https://t.co/zxUW1nWY40
— Eric Nathan (@BarstoolNate) October 29, 2023
HOW does Rivera not see this and challenge it????? 🥴😒 https://t.co/WgTny8rcXK
— YoYo (@YLT_1206) October 29, 2023
