'More Energized, More Focused!' Washington Commanders Coach Ron Rivera Hopes Rest Creates Change

Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera needs a big response out of his team Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

The Washington Commanders have endured a tumultuous handful of days following Thursday's 45-10 blowout defeat to the Dallas Cowboys.

Washington fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio the day after the loss, which marked the team's third in a row and fifth in its last six games.

Now sitting at 4-8, the Commanders have watched this season slip away, and coach Ron Rivera may be doing the same with his job - but he's hoping for a strong closing stretch to give owner Josh Harris a tougher decision.

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There's a chance for that turnaround to start Sunday, when the Commanders host the Miami Dolphins (8-3) - and Rivera believes the additional three days of rest his team received following last week's loss could play an important part.

“I think it takes a little bit off their mind, gives them a chance to relax and get away from it," Rivera said. "Hopefully, some of these guys come back and they're a little more energized, a little more focused and we'll see how they handle it and how they react to things.”

Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera walks off the field after facing the Dallas Cowboys / Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports

The Dolphins have won back-to-back games and three of their last four games; they're leading the AFC East by two-and-a-half games over the Buffalo Bills and boast the NFL's second-best scoring offense at 30.8 points per game.

In essence, Washington and Miami are heading in opposite directions and have entirely different aspirations as the season reaches its home stretch.

Of the Commanders' eight losses, half have been by one possession - but they've also lost three games by at least 20 points. If both sides keep trending in the manner they currently are, it's possible the Dolphins will add to that number.

But Rivera's hopeful Washington will be renewed following the opportunity to step away, if only for a few days - and his prospects for next season may be riding on it.

Washington and Miami are set to kick off at 1 p.m. EST Sunday inside FedEx Field.