24 November 2023 , 19:47
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Washington Commanders part-owner Magic Johnson is coming in for criticism from fans following the team's blowout 45-10 loss at the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving.
Johnson, 64, watched from home as the Commanders capitulated in the fourth quarter on the road at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. After twice making it a four-point game during the second quarter, Washington gave up 25 unanswered points in the final frame.
After falling away late, the Commanders are now 4-8 for the season. As is tradition, Johnson posted his reaction on social media after the game, taking to X, formerly known as Twitter.
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"The Dallas Cowboys beat my Commanders 45-10," Johnson stated. "Dallas was a better football team tonight, plain and simple." It is fair to say fans did not take kindly to the post. Plenty of fans replied and called for Johnson to stop talking and instead effect some change at the organisation.
Many took umbrage at him for stating the obvious after the 35-point loss to their NFC East rivals. Others were left calling for the firing of Ron Rivera as the Commanders' head coach, with it becoming increasingly clear the next step is likely to be a new coaching regime at the franchise for next season.
Thursday's defeat was the team's third straight loss since beating the New England Patriots in early November. But the poor run stretches back even further than this month.
After starting the season 2-0 with wins over the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos, the Commanders are 2-8 since late September. That began with another three-game losing streak when they lost to NFC East rivals the Buffalo Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles before being beaten by the then-winless Chicago Bears.
Since then, they have lost again against the Eagles, twice to the New York Giants and on the road at the Seattle Seahawks. With five games of the regular season remaining, Washington would have to win out if they are to salvage a winning record.
But with three coming against a trio of playoff-bound teams in the Cowboys, the Miami Dolphins and the San Francisco 49ers, such a streak seems fanciful. However, the organisation is not giving up on the season, with changes already coming in the aftermath of giving up a season-high 45 points to the Cowboys.
Less than 24 hours later, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio is out the door alongside defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer, who was only promoted to the role in February to replace the departing Chris Harris. Washington ranks last in points allowed across the league.
Rivera will reportedly take on defensive playcalling for the remainder of the regular season. He has previously worked as a defensive coordinator on the Chicago Bears and the San Diego Chargers.
Before the firing of Del Rio, Rivera reiterated that he was not concerned about his future following the game. "I'm not worried about anything," he told reporters. "All I'm going to do is do my job and see how things go. That's the only thing I can do."
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