On Thursday night, NFL enthusiasts and analysts echoed a common sentiment regarding Washington Commanders’ head coach, Ron Rivera.
Rivera’s Commanders experienced a demoralizing 40-20 defeat at the hands of the previously winless Chicago Bears, all within the confines of their home stadium, FedExField. With this victory, the Bears snapped a 14-game losing streak dating back to the previous season.
Criticism and frustration towards Rivera, often referred to as “Riverboat Ron” due to his historically bold coaching decisions, were amplified on social media. This surge of disapproval stemmed from Rivera’s choice to opt for a field goal instead of attempting to convert a 4th-and-3 situation during the third quarter, despite his team trailing by 16 points:
This dude really got the nickname “Riverboat Ron” because sneaking it on 4th & inches from the opponent’s 35 was seen as risky in 2012.
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) October 6, 2023
Ron Rivera handed momentum back to the Bears when he kicked the field goal.
Absurd to see your QB put everything on the line to get the first down and you just kick it when you need two yards.
Riverboat Ron isn’t a thing anymore.
— Jordan (@wshingtontoday) October 6, 2023
Riverboat Ron, we hardly knew ye
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) October 6, 2023
Riverboat Ron pic.twitter.com/hNyQ4YHmWy
— Quigs (@BigSeanQ_) October 6, 2023
Logan Thomas had to dive for the first down there because he knew Riverboat Ron Rivera would have punted on 4th and inches
— Subscribe to the You Know Ball Patreon (@TrillBroDude) October 6, 2023
I can’t stand Riverboat Ron.
He’s atrocious.
— Zach Smith (@CoachZachSmith) October 6, 2023
Now that stupid decision by Riverboat Ron to kick the FG on the last drive looks even worse. They could have scored a TD there and we could be looking at a one score game.
— JustJeff (@TheJeffSchlegel) October 6, 2023
I never wanna hear Riverboat Ron ever again.
That ship sailed long, long time ago.
It’s Titanic Ron.
— Adam Schein (@AdamSchein) October 6, 2023
I never wanna hear Riverboat Ron ever again.
That ship sailed long, long time ago.
It’s Titanic Ron.
— Adam Schein (@AdamSchein) October 6, 2023
Washington’s third consecutive loss further lowered their season record to 2-3.