Something not discussed too much...

[t96]

It seems like Rivera has basically handed over the keys to our offense to Norv and he'll have full control over the offense. I haven't really seen discussions of what this means for Rivera and our D though... There's no doubt at all that Rivera is one of the best defensive minds in the game. With Norv here does that take away offensive responsibility from Ron and give him more time to be engaged and focused on the defensive. I think so and if this is the case this is a huge aspect of getting Norv that hasn't been talked about much.

If Rivera is focused on the D kinda like his old coach Buddy Ryan with Norv being Ditka but without the hostility and more cohesiveness I think this could work out extremely well for both sides of the ball. Not trying to take away from Eric Washington who I think could be a very solid coordinator but it definitely makes sense for Ron to take control of the defense -- maybe even call the plays himself which he hasn't done since he's been here but which worked out extremely well when he was a coordinator in the past.

Slow week before the draft...

[Toker Smurf]

I wouldn't expect him to call plays but I could definitely see him being more hands on with installing the game plan.

[Khyber53]

I trust Rivera to do what it takes to put the team in a position to win. Period. He didn't bring Norv in here to be a figurehead, but to run the offense. It will be different than before and perhaps a bit more dynamic. In the end, though, Rivera has coached this team to its most successful period in its existence. There are Chicken Littles all over this board who scream for his job every time we don't win by 21 points or more, but they are just easily panicked. 

Since Rivera came aboard, we've righted a sinking franchise, made regular playoff appearances, made it to the Superb Owl, and done it all while the NFC South has become the most competitive and winning division in the NFL. You shouldn't overlook that last bit... we've been a strong team while playing six games a season in the toughest division in the NFL. 

Yeah, I think Rivera will pursue things as much he has so far and that's for the good. He'll set a pace for the offense and let Norv pick the method while leaning on his defensive expertise to get the most out of that unit he can. 

[Moose Hoover]

Your mom is focused on the D

[CatMan72]

This could be a really good thing as long as it doesn't divide the locker room. Competition between the D and O is good but can boil over quickly. I think Rivera has a good enough handle on the team and established captains on both sides to keep things on track and I don't see a power struggle evolving between him & Norv.

[Darvinsun]

As long as he consults No tv on whether we should go for it on 4th down when it is in place that could be a difference maker I think that in itself will be a big difference maker.

[t96]

39 minutes ago, Darvinsun said:

As long as he consults No tv on whether we should go for it on 4th down when it is in place that could be a difference maker I think that in itself will be a big difference maker.

I think Norv will further bring out Ron's Riverboat.

[Mr. Scot]

Ideally, Rivera would let his coordinators do their job and concentrate solely on the head coaching type details (like clock management, for example).

Granted, I could somewhat see helping Washington given that he's a first time DC.

[t96]

20 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

Ideally, Rivera would let his coordinators do their job and concentrate solely on the head coaching type details (like clock management, for example).

Granted, I could somewhat see helping Washington given that he's a first time DC.

The most important aspects of being a head coach are gameplanning both sides of the ball and managing all of the coaches under him. Clock management and other smaller details like that really aren't a huge deal in the overall picture. And several successful head coaches have called their own plays on either side of the ball. Mike McCarthy in Green Bay for example as well as McVay last year running the O and Phillips running the D. 

Norv's tremendous experience as HC and coordinator gives us the ability to just hand him the offense and let him run it and gameplan while allowing for Ron to focus solely on the defensive gameplan. Rivera saw first hand how well this strategy worked with the Bears and while yes Ryan and Ditka was an extremely hostile relationship it certainly doesn't have to be that way to kind of have two separate head coaches each running one side of the ball. And Norv and Ron already have a great relationship clearly. 

[chknwing]

well with a new DC in Eric Washington, Rivera almost has to be more involved with the defense.  Having Norv is a luxury for Ron.

[GRWatcher]

Rivera's #1 job is communications ...... with the coaches, the players, the fans, the media and, most importantly this year, the new owner. That, I feel, Rivera does very well, he's upfront, open, honest, and humble. It pulls the locker room together so I don't see any problems there. Norv's experience, as well as Rivera's, will be valuable to Washington. Who better to tell you if your scheme will work than a guy who has plotted against elite defenses his entire career?

[The Huddler]

Agreed

[Ace_Aladdin]

7 hours ago, Khyber53 said:

I trust Rivera to do what it takes to put the team in a position to win. Period. He didn't bring Norv in here to be a figurehead, but to run the offense. It will be different than before and perhaps a bit more dynamic. In the end, though, Rivera has coached this team to its most successful period in its existence. There are Chicken Littles all over this board who scream for his job every time we don't win by 21 points or more, but they are just easily panicked. 

Since Rivera came aboard, we've righted a sinking franchise, made regular playoff appearances, made it to the Superb Owl, and done it all while the NFC South has become the most competitive and winning division in the NFL. You shouldn't overlook that last bit... we've been a strong team while playing six games a season in the toughest division in the NFL. 

Yeah, I think Rivera will pursue things as much he has so far and that's for the good. He'll set a pace for the offense and let Norv pick the method while leaning on his defensive expertise to get the most out of that unit he can.