Ron Rivera has the offensive coordinator Ron Roman needs in Greg Roman
Washington Commanders seek an offensive coordinator. The Washington Commanders are looking for an offensive coordinator, as well as nine other NFL players. One look at Washington, and you’d think it’s probably not one of the more attractive options.
Washington is a great offense player. The problem is that the Commanders need a QB. We’ve heard that before. And there’s also the talk of Ron Rivera’s status entering year four. With new ownership, Rivera must win in 2023.
The Commanders interviewed Charles London, Ken Zampese, and Pat Shurmur for the vacant position of offensive coordinator after firing Scott Turner. They were hoping to interview Jim Caldwell or Darrell Bevell but both declined due to different reasons. It isn’t known if Dolphins running backs coach Eric Studesville will interview with Washington.
Another notable offensive coordinator was available on the open market Thursday. Rivera would not be surprised to see him.
The Baltimore Ravens and their offensive coordinator Greg Roman mutually parted ways. Roman spent the six previous seasons in Baltimore, where he was also the offensive coordinator for Lamar Jackson, his star quarterback.
Romans would make sense to Rivera and the Commanders.
Remember Rivera and the general manager Martin Mayhew’s season-ending press conference where they spoke of Washington’s formula, even saying the Commanders wanted a 2-1 run-to-pass ratio. It is. statement earned laughs The fans groan and there is much laughter around the league. It’s 2023, after all.
Roman is the result of Mayhew’s and Rivera’s ratio. Roman is probably the best NFL running game designer, other than Kyle Shanahan. Roman was praised by Robert Griffin III, a former Washington quarterback who played three years under Roman.
As you can see from Griffin’s final sentence, Roman isn’t the best with the passing game. Washington has one of the best receiving trios in the country. [Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson & Curtis Samuel] That could be a problem for the NFL.
However, if you consider Rivera’s strategy to win with a stout defense and a ball-control offense, Roman coming aboard can bring that philosophy. He can also help quarterback Sam Howell. Roman can design an offense that uses Howell’s athleticism as he learns the quarterback position in the NFL.
Let’s focus on Roman’s 10 seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator [49ers, Bills & Ravens]. Check this out JP Finlay from NBC Sports Washington. His teams have been No.1 in rush offense for 10 consecutive seasons. He was No. 1 in rush offense four times, and never ranked lower than No. 8.
This strategy could work well for Washington, which is looking to develop Howell, fix its offensive line and retain some of its young defensive personnel.
Roman’s best defense as an offensive coordinator was provided by Emmanuel Acho, a former NFL player. Acho credited Roman for turning Alex Smith’s career around and for getting the best out of Colin Kaepernick.
Obviously, no one knows how things will turn out for Jackson with Roman elsewhere, but if you’re a team with a young quarterback, you have to like those numbers.
Roman may have had poor receivers during his NFL career, so it is possible that Roman and wide receivers are having trouble. That’s one thought. Could things be different with Washington’s talented trio?
It remains to be seen.
Washington fans should consider there’s no better alternative than Roman. Roman can both help Howell develop and win the 2023 Commanders’ Cup. Shurmur can do this? Or Zampese? Roman has shown that he is capable of developing a winning offense. It may not fit the NFL’s current prototype of playing fast and throwing the ball 45 times per game, but it works. And there is no better coordinator in the NFL that fits Rivera and Mayhew’s desire than Roman.
Roman’s departure was an emotional moment for Baltimoreans. But there were other teams that could have benefited from Roman’s absence. Washington is one of these teams. Roman should have choices, and why would Roman choose to spend one year with the Commanders when he could have so many?
Why just one year? Rivera must win the next season. Rivera is entering his fourth year after two disappointing seasons. There is also the possibility of a new owner. Rivera winning may make it more difficult for a potential new owner to choose his guy. Roman Roman, Rivera’s offensive coordinator, could be more helpful in 2023.
Bringing Roman aboard may not be a popular move, but considering where Washington is right now and what’s ahead, it’s the right move.
Are the Commanders going to bring Roman in? Will Roman be interested? In the next days, things should get more interesting.