Commanders HC Ron Rivera downplays Chase Young's comments: 'I like the direction we're headed'

The Washington Commanders' activity at the trade deadline signaled a shift in how the club intends to build its roster going forward.

The departures of Chase Young and Montez Sweat via trades netted the Commanders two Day Two draft picks, valuable capital to improve the team in the years to come. But the trades didn't come without Young taking a parting shot when talking up his new team: the San Francisco 49ers.

"Just stepping in here today, got in here last week," Young said earlier this week, via NBC Sports Bay Area. "Just the culture, the vibe is a lot different. I definitely know that I am in a building with winners."

Rivera was asked about these comments Wednesday. He didn't bristle at Young's words. Instead, Rivera pivoted the conversation back toward an optimistic tone.

"I think first and foremost is that, to me as far as I'm concerned, I'm excited about our football team. I like the things that we're doing," Rivera told reporters. "I like the direction we're headed. I think culturally it's a really solid place.

"We're still learning and growing. We have a young quarterback that's learning and growing for us. I do think that for the most part, things can be very bright for us if it continues to go in the right direction. As far as Chase is concerned and his comments, I really appreciate who he is for us and who he was for us. Did some nice things and just wish him all the luck in San Francisco."

Rivera took the high road in part because he truly feels good about Washington's outlook. Much of this has to do with the performance of quarterback Sam Howell, who currently ranks second in the NFL in passing yards (2,471) and has posted consecutive 300-plus passing yards performances in Washington's last two contests. 

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