ASHBURN — Ron Rivera likes to sell a message. And last year, the Washington Commanders coach repeatedly wondered if his group would be “mature” enough to handle the elevated expectations coming off a playoff appearance. As they regressed, Riviera pinpointed their immaturity as a reason.
But that was last season.
“I don’t have that same kind of concern,” Rivera said.
As the Commanders broke for training camp Thursday — giving players and coaches roughly six weeks off before they are due to return in late July — Rivera said he believes his players have outgrown the problems that plagued the team a year ago.