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Ron Rivera said that the Washington Football Team will keep Kyle Allen as the starter next week if he’s healthy. Allen left the game after a helmet-to-helmet hit from Jalen Ramsey and was evaluated for an arm injury. He was cleared for return after halftime, but Alex Smith remained in for the rest of the game. Rivera said he kept Allen out so he didn’t get hurt again, but Alex Smith was abused by the Rams defense for the rest of the game.
Rivera said that Smith was pretty good, and he stood tall in his first game back from breaking his leg two years ago. It was good to see him take the first sack, and it showed that he could after not getting hit in practice. Rivera said that Kyle handled himself pretty well, and led the team down the field for an early lead before getting injured.
Washington’s third down defense was a major issue once again. The team played from behind early, and couldn’t come back. They were careful with Chase Young returning from a groin injury, and didn’t push him too hard today. Washington needs a win after losing their 4th straight. They are still tied for 2nd place in the NFC East...
Washington Football Team Press Conference | October 11, 2020 https://t.co/fH2QODp1Mb
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) October 11, 2020
Alex Smith:
Ron Rivera on Alex Smith: "I thought it was pretty good. ... It was difficult when you're behind. It was almost unfair."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) October 11, 2020
Rivera in Alex Smith. "I thought he stood tall."
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 11, 2020
Said Kyle Allen is the starter if healthy. Went conservative after the injury.
Ron Rivera said it was good to see Alex Smith take that first sack, because now they know he can handle it.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) October 11, 2020
Kyle Allen:
Ron Rivera: "If Kyle [Allen] is ready to go, Kyle will be our starter."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 11, 2020
Rivera didn’t want to put Kyle Allen back in after he was cleared because he didn’t want Allen to take another shot.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 11, 2020
Rivera said that Kyle Allen handled himself "pretty well." Made some good decisions and led @WashingtonNFL down the field to take an early lead before getting hurt.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 11, 2020
Defense:
Rivera notes Washington’s third down defense a main issue today. The Rams jumping ahead allowed their DL to go hard with the pass rush and Washington’s OL paid the price.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 11, 2020
When asked about the offensive line's protection struggles, Rivera brought up the defense giving up a bunch of points early. That allowed the Rams' defensive line to get after the quarterback.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 11, 2020
Cancer:
Rivera said he thought he had "pretty good" energy today. Said he took an IV before the game. Also said he drank a bunch of Gatorade during the game to stay hydrated.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 11, 2020
Dwayne Haskins Jr.:
Rivera says Dwayne Haskins said he wasn't feeling good this morning and the medical staff sent him home.
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) October 11, 2020
Running game:
Ron Rivera says they didn't run the ball well enough in the 2nd half as they did in the first half. Was a big problem.
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) October 11, 2020
Obviously.
Playing from behind:
Rivera on how the game unfolded: "When you're behind, they're going to come after you, and I think that's the biggest thing that was evident."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 11, 2020
Chase Young:
Rivera said the team tried to "be smart" with Chase Young coming off the groin injury. Young's stat line: 2 solo tackles (one for loss)
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 11, 2020
Need a win:
Rivera: "It's just been a whirlwind of things. Hopefully, we can settle in and win a football game next week."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) October 11, 2020
2020 season:
Ron Rivera asked about the totality of events that have happened with this team in 2020: "That's a tough one. I don't think we have enough time ..."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 11, 2020