Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera shared a beautiful moment with his players in the locker room following the team’s stunning upset over the previously undefeated Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.
On Nov. 1, the Commanders announced that Rivera’s mother, Dolores, passed away the day before. Coaching with a heavy heart, Rivera stayed with the Commanders and was on the sideline for their Week 9 home game against the Minnesota Vikings, a 20-17 Minny victory.
The Commanders got back to. 500 on Monday by stunning the NFL’s last remaining undefeated team 32-21 at Lincoln Financial Field. After the game, an emotional Rivera told his players “My mom would have been proud.”
You can see the moving clip below.
This victory comes two years after Washington handed the 2020 Pittsburgh Steelers their first loss of the season. Pittsburgh entered that game with a perfect 11-0 record, but Washington’s stingy defense propelled them to a 23-17 victory.
Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (211 passing yards) running backs Brian Robinson Jr.(86 rushing yards, one score) and Antonio Gibson (44 rushing yards, one score) and wide receiver Terry McLaurin (eight receptions, 128 yards) led the way on offense.
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But it was Washington’s grade-A effort on defense that helped Rivera’s squad pull off the upset. Jalen Hurts, a top MVP candidate, was limited to 17 completions and 175 passing yards.
Philly’s vaunted rushing attack was also limited to 94 yards on 20 carries, and the Commanders forced four turnovers (one interception, three fumbles) in the outing. With the win, Washington is now 5-5 and very much alive for the final wild card spot in the NFC.
now 5-5 and very much alive for the final wild card spot in the NFC.
As for Hurts and the Eagles, they’ll try to get back on the winning track when they visit Jeff Saturday’s Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. At 8-1, the Eagles and Minnesota Vikings share the best record in the NFL heading into Week 11.