5 takeaways from Washington’s 25-10 loss

The honeymoon is long over for Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera. Rivera’s first season, in which he surprisingly led Washington to an NFC East title, albeit with a 7-9 record, is a distant memory. On Sunday, the Commanders dropped their third consecutive game, falling to the Dallas Cowboys, 25-10, in Week 4 action from FedEx Field.

Now 1-3 on the season, Washington returns home next week to host the Tennessee Titans. The Commanders desperately need a win or face another long season of questions about the coaching staff, quarterback position, etc.

As for the loss to the Cowboys, here are five takeaways from Washington’s 25-10 loss.

Carson Wentz getting worse

Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) eludes the same of Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) and defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Two positive plays stood out in this game from Washington quarterback Carson Wentz. His touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson was a beautiful throw. There was a play in the second half where Wentz escaped pressure, moved up in the pocket, looked downfield and found Dotson for a 31-yard gain. That’s about it.

Yes, Wentz was under pressure, but he doesn’t help himself. How many times could Wentz step up into the pocket or slide to his left or right? He shows no pocket presence. And it is not going to get better. This is who he is. There was a 3rd-and-4 in the fourth quarter with the game still close, where offensive coordinator Scott Turner called a draw. Wait, what?

Is this a bigger indictment on the coordinator or the quarterback? We’ll let you decide. Either way, it’s a bad look.

What was Rivera doing at the end of the first half?

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera watches the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Near the end of the first half, Washington has scored its first — and only — touchdown. There was some positive momentum, and the hope was the defense could force another punt, and the Commanders could get another opportunity with the ball before halftime.

Washington’s defense didn’t cooperate, thanks in part to another busted Kendall Fuller coverage on third down. The Cowboys get inside the 10-yard line eventually, and Rivera calls timeout with under two minutes…