Pressers

Jay Gruden Conference Call: We have better players on defense

Jay Gruden answers questions the day after Redskins defeat Raiders

By Scott Jennings@ScottJenningsHH Sep 25, 2017, 4:08pm EDT

Jay Gruden and the Redskins have back-to-back victories and have been proving some doubters wrong after Week 1's loss. The Redskins completely neutered a potent Raiders offense, and are proving their defense is nothing like the Joe Barry abomination.

Gruden participated in a conference call with reporters after last night's primetime victory. The Redskins were dealing with a few injuries coming into last night's game, and might be missing their backup OT Ty Nsekhe who suffered a core muscle injury.

The defense, along with rookies Jonathan Allen and Montae Nicholson and DL coach Jim Tomsula, get some deserved praise. Better players = better defense.

Defense:

We tackled well, we flew to the football
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayCSN) September 25, 2017

Kansas City Chiefs:

Gruden is already talking about Tyreek Hill and Kareem Hunt and #Redskins focus on tackling
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayCSN) September 25, 2017

Montae Nicholson:

Gruden: Montae has really been impressive...can't say enough about what DJ Swearinger means to Montae
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayCSN) September 25, 2017

Jim Tomsula:

Gruden calls Jim Tomsula the "best in the business"
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayCSN) September 25, 2017

Jonathan Allen:

Gruden on Jonathan Allen: He's just scratching the surface on his own potential
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayCSN) September 25, 2017

Injured rookies contributing early:

Gruden gives credit to #Redskins training staff on recovery of Moreau & Nicholson. Deserved. Both rookies had serious ?s but are balling
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayCSN) September 25, 2017

Better players on defense:

Gruden gave a very honest answer about overhauled defense: Weve improved our talent pool
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayCSN) September 25, 2017

Gruden on defense: When you talk about why we're better? We have better players
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayCSN) September 25, 2017

Kendall Fuller:

Jay Gruden called CB Kendall Fuller "one of our smartest players". Breakthrough season in part b/c he's more comfortable with knee, too.
— Brian McNally (@bmcnally14) September 25, 2017

Ty Nsekhe:

Ty Nsekhe has a core muscle injury, Jay Gruden says. He's going to see a specialist in Philly and could be out a little bit.
— Mike Jones (@MikeJonesWaPo) September 25, 2017

Injury updates:

Rob Kelley and Jordan Reed remain Day to day. Nsekhe going to see specialist. He could be out a while. Samaje Perine looks to be ok
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayCSN) September 25, 2017

#Redskins plan to see how Mason Foster looks on Wednesday
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayCSN) September 25, 2017

Go for it:

Adds the risk of an easy FG for Oakland if they don't get it wasn't worth the reward
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayCSN) September 25, 2017