The season has come and gone for the Washington Commanders. It was a step back in terms of performance for the team, after finishing with a 2-15 record and clinching the number one pick. While last season, the team went 5-11. It was a step in the wrong direction for the team. It was another twist in the tale for Washington this year, as the high profile pop-star Robyn Fenty, also known as Rihanna bought full rights and ownership to the team. It gave fans in Washington a glimmer of hope, that the future would be bright despite a poor season overall – from top to bottom. Here is how the end of season press conference went for the duo…
John Keim (Commanders Reporter): Rihanna, after coming in and taking over mid-season.. what are your thoughts? What is the vision going forward for you and the team?
Rihanna (Commanders Owner): Well John, it’s never easy going through such a transition these players and staff had to go through in the middle of a season. New ownership, new philosophy, etc. It wasn’t the season any of us wanted, especially since such positive outlooks from last year. However, Coach Riley and I have our eyes set on the future. We’re already in discussion for our off-season plans regarding the draft, free agency, resigns, etc. We want to get to the level we know we can play and we’re hopeful with the plan we have in mind this off-season we can do just that.
John Keim (Commanders Reporter): We here in Washington are looking for to this off-season and we’re hoping for steps in the right direction. Coach Riley, this season I think we can all agree was a calamity.. multiple in-season moves that didn’t help the team, arguably worsened them. As the Head Coach of the team, how do you plan on steering the ship and taking this time in the right direction once again?
Garrett Riley (Commanders Head Coach): John, look.. from a defensive stand-point of the ball it was record breaking stats.. and not in a good way. At times this season it felt like we couldn’t stop a youth team if we were to take them on.. However, credit where credit is due.. towards the latter half of the season I saw players step up and a change on the defense, we were allowing less points and forcing more turnovers, creating more stops, etc. We played much closer games in the second half of the season than the first. Offensively, we moved the ball but we got hit with multiple injuries such as: Deebo going down, Henderson going down, Terry getting suspended, Oronde getting hurt. Playmakers got hurt and we turned the ball over too much. So when your defense isn’t playing well and your offense is turning it over too much in a game, it’s a recipe for disaster and we’re going to do our best to avoid that combination coming into next season with us.
Julie Donaldson (Commanders Reporter): Rihanna, heading into this offseason are there any staff changes you’re looking to make? and with pick number one in the draft, you’re on the clock? What are the plans there, considering this is such a high profile quarterback draft class?
Rihanna (Commanders Owner): Obviously, in terms of the on-field staff.. Coach Riley is here to stay and his coordinators and assistants. They are the right group to lead us to where we want to be, as for management positions.. most of you know, I took over this team on my own as the acting Owner, President and General Manager.. I intend on maintaining full ownership and the general manager position, but I can confirm as the rumors have said.. Brad Pitt will be signing onboard with us as our President, dealing with finances, budgeting, non-football personnel, corporate sales, stadium activities, etc. We’re in the final stages of confirming a deal together, so expect his introductory presser very soon. In regards to the draft and pick one, I can fully confirm Coach Riley and I have discussed our options and Drake Maye is our guy. We do not intend on drafting a quarterback with the pick. Whether we keep the pick and fill an area of need, or trade is something that will be revealed soon enough.
Julie Donaldson (Commanders Reporter): Wow, that’s shocking and fantastic news for the league.. we’re looking forward to having Brad Pitt as our acting President of the club. But now, Coach Riley.. my final question for you, as we wrap this up.. what areas of the field do you want to address and upgrade heading into the off-season whether that be through the draft or free agency?
Coach Riley (Commanders Head Coach): You know, that’s something that Rihanna and I plan on having multiple discussions regarding but you know.. we’d like to get a little deeper in certain positions, such as our offensive line.. some more wide receiver depth.. and a few upgrades on the defensive side of the ball to help our our playmakers. We want to get better as a team, and we’ll build where necessary. Thank you all for coming today and we’ll see you again shortly for our introductory conference with Mr. Brad Pitt as Rihanna said.
Rihanna (Commanders Owner): Thank you everyone. Until next time.
