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Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio spoke to reporters for the 2nd day in a row. Head Coach Ron Rivera was not at yesterday’s practice for cancer treatment, and left today’s early because he wasn’t feeling well. Del Rio steps in to lead the team and time Rivera isn’t there or isn’t able to. He doesn’t expect Rivera to miss Sunday’s game, but he is prepared to take over, even mid-game, if he needs to. Del Rio encouraged Rivera to take care of himself, and told him the team would make him proud if he wasn’t there.
Del Rio made the focus of today creating turnovers, and dubbed it Turnover Thursday. “Turnovers come in bunches” and he wants to get back to forcing them after getting none last week. The team’s tackling has been ok during the first three games, but it will remain a priority.
Injury Update:
Washington's Thurs. practice report:
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 1, 2020
DNP
WR Steven Sims (toe)
DE Chase Young (groin)
LIMITED
LB Cole Holcomb (knee)
RT Morgan Moses (hip)
WR Terry McLaurin (thigh)
FULL
DE Ryan Anderson (ankle)
WR Dontrelle Inman (wrist)
DE Ryan Kerrigan (NIR)
OT Saahdiq Charles (thigh)
Ron Rivera:
Jack Del Rio on Ron Rivera: "He wasn't feeling well. When he's not here, I step in. ... I was able to have a conversation with him about the roster and game-planning prior to him exiting."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 1, 2020
Del Rio on Rivera: "He's battling right now. He's tough as can be and doing what he can. And as coaches and players, we have to do everything we can to carry on the message."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 1, 2020
Jack Del Rio said he has encouraged Ron Rivera to take care of himself, and that they will make him proud and carry on.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) October 1, 2020
Filling in for Rivera on game day:
Jack Del Rio when asked if Ron Rivera is expected to coach Sunday: "I'm prepared at any point to step in, even in the middle of the game if it were to happen. But it's my understanding that he will be ready to go."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 1, 2020
Fabian Moreau:
Del Rio said the coaches like what CB Fabian Moreau has done to start the year. He said the Browns game was one "with a little more big people in it" (aka linebackers in base defense), so that's why Moreau's snap count was down.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 1, 2020
Turnover Thursday:
You've heard of "Taco Tuesday." Del Rio called today "Turnover Thursday" based on the emphasis in practice today. Had someone on his staff create a presentation and everything.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 1, 2020
Del Rio said "turnovers come in bunches," so he wants to get back to forcing turnovers after not getting any last week.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 1, 2020
Also mentioned how the defense has "Turnover Thursdays," but he didn't elaborate aside from, "You should have seen our presentation this morning."
Tackling:
Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio met with the media
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) October 1, 2020
Del Rio said the tackling has been OK through the first three weeks. That will remain a big priority for them because as Del Rio said, "In order to be a great defense, you have to be a great tackling unit."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 1, 2020
Ravens offense:
In talking about the Ravens' offense, Del Rio mentions the speed at wide receiver, a tight end they "really love throwing the ball to" (Mark Andrews) and a "big ole offensive line."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 1, 2020
Also mentioned the effectiveness of all their different personnel groupings.