Ron Rivera didn’t know the Commanders might be eliminated in Week 17.

Washington Commanders could be eliminated by the Green Bay Packers beating the Minnesota Vikings Sunday night. However, that was not known to Commanders head Coach Ron Rivera.

Following Washington’s 24-10 loss Rivera was available to answer questions from media members. Rivera took a long time to answer a reporter’s question about Rivera’s quarterback strategy next week if Commanders were eliminated Sunday.

“We can be eliminated”

He was genuinely shocked to learn that the Commanders could be defeated in a matter of hours.

This was the scenario that would see the Commanders be eliminated from the playoffs going into Week 17. Commanders lose to Detroit Lions, Packers defeat Vikings and Detroit Lions defeat Chicago Bears. Rivera spoke with the media after the Commanders had lost against the Browns, and the Lions had defeated the Bears. The Packers and Vikings were next, scheduled to begin at 4:05 PM ET.

It is understandable that a head coach might have trouble remembering the name of a player or team. This happens to everyone, even high-functioning people. Rivera’s experience is not typical. Rivera didn’t remember any part of the elimination scenario or the name of one team. He seemed to be completely unaware that the Commanders could be eliminated during Week 17.

A head coach’s job is to prepare his team for any scenario, on or off the field. Rivera might have been more concerned about Carson Wentz’s performance against the Browns, when he knew the Commanders would be eliminated. Would he have thought of starting Taylor Heinicke instead, or maybe substituting Wentz with Heinicke in the middle of the game?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter what he would’ve done. The game is finished, and the commanders are now out of control.