Ron Rivera Presser: "Please judge us on where we’re going, not where we’ve been"

Washington Football Team | Head Coach Ron Rivera Press Conference https://t.co/GG9QEVdCF9

— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) December 14, 2020

Head coach Ron Rivera addressing the media now. Upon rewatching the game, he liked the tempo from all three phases. Highlighted the way @WashingtonNFL's offense started each half and how special teams covered punts.

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 14, 2020

Rivera said the team's tempo on all three phases stuck out to him after watching the film. Defensively, there were some moments where the team lapsed a little bit, he said, but the energy and tempo throughout the game was what the team needed.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 14, 2020

Rivera said the Seahawks are dynamic on offense and defense. It's going to be a hell of a game, he said, and the team will be tested.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 14, 2020

Ron Rivera on the upcoming matchup with the Seattle Seahawks: "This will be a hell of a game. I really believe that."

Mentioned the Seahawks' dynamic offense and improving defense.

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 14, 2020

Rivera said the team is feeding off the energy that the young players are giving off. That has carried over into the veterans, and it has helped them continue to play better.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 14, 2020

Ron Rivera just dropped an Allen Iverson "practice" reference. Today will be a good day pic.twitter.com/g7zDfFIw0e

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 14, 2020

Coach is talking about how practice is translating to the game. In prax last week Montez tipped a ball, Chase ran it in for a TD. The defense was fired up!! — When you prax how you play, you don’t dismiss those moments. They ultimately become part of the game. #WashingtonFootball

— Julie Donaldson (@juliedonaldson_) December 14, 2020

Rivera has noticed the competition between Montez Sweat and Chase Young, but was has been more prevalent is the cooperation between the two. They feed off each other, and that is exciting to Rivera.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 14, 2020

Ron Rivera on the practice habits of Chase Young and Montez Sweat: "I cringe a couple of times because they go so hard."

Rivera loves their cooperation, not just in games but in practice. They combined for a turnover in practice before the 49ers game.

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 14, 2020

Ron Rivera mentioned a competitive/cooperative practice play with Chase Young and Montez Sweat — the play Jack Del Rio referenced last week — as an example of players practicing at a high level. In the middle his answer, Rivera said, "it's like Allen Iverson - praaactice!" ...

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 14, 2020

Regarding @WashingtonNFL's free agents, Ron Rivera said the team was able to find the best fits. Might not always be the best athletes, but they fit what Rivera wants to do. Major payoff.

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 14, 2020

Rivera said the team has to be able to run the ball when defenses know Washington is going to run the ball. He said the team hasn't been able to that with consistency. If you want to be a championship football, Rivera said, those are the types of things you have to do.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 14, 2020

He did like the two runs to McKissic and Barber to start second half in terms of settling down Dwayne. https://t.co/91gTrkDigH

— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) December 14, 2020

Rivera said the confidence and swagger Washington is building can be helpful, but they have to live up to that, he said.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 14, 2020

Washington is now part of the playoff conversation. Coach Rivera said it adds extra confidence. "The confidence and swagger will help you, but you're not given the relevance. You have to live up to it."

— Logan Campbell (@loganncampbelll) December 14, 2020

Ron Rivera doesn’t have an update on QB Alex Smith — he always plans his media availability before meeting with the trainers on purpose — but said he should know about his status later this afternoon.

If Smith can’t go, Rivera said: “Dwayne will be ready.”

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) December 14, 2020

Ron Rivera says if Alex Smith cant go vs Seattle he believes Dwayne Haskins will be ready

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 14, 2020

Ron Rivera said if Alex Smith can't go against Seattle, he believes that Dwayne Haskins will be ready. Rivera added that Haskins will get all of the practice reps and a game plan will be made specifically for his strengths.

— Logan Campbell (@loganncampbelll) December 14, 2020

Ron Rivera says that Tress Bae was a deserving Pro Bowler last season and that he deserves to make it again this year.

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 14, 2020

These men want to win, Rivera said, and if you show them that you're trying to help them, they buy into the message.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 14, 2020

Ron Rivera said that still being in playoff contention at 2-7 was huge for the team's morale. "As long as there's hope and we have a chance, that's all that matters." @WashingtonNFL has taken full advantage.

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 14, 2020

Ron Rivera on where the team is right now: "You kind of feel that they're starting to understand what it takes."

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 14, 2020

Ron Rivera: "I want the guys to understand that theyre relevant. Theyre paying attention to you now"

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 14, 2020

Rivera said after the game that nobody wants to play Washington right now, and that is because it is playing a tough, physical style of football in December. He wants his players to know that he believes in them and they deserve to be part of the conversation.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 14, 2020

Evidence that Washington is completely buying in, according to Ron: Lots of guys are getting into the weight room on their off days and healthy players are seeking treatment in the training room to take additional care of themselves. That makes the head coach very happy

— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) December 14, 2020

Does this squad have an identity yet?

Ron Rivera: "Yeah, we're the Washington Football Team."

Put that on the posters and in the commercials

— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) December 14, 2020

Ron Rivera on whether they now have an identity: "Yeah, we're the Washington Football Team," with an emphasis on **team** as all units are contributing.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 14, 2020

Rivera says that Cleveland should expect there will be fans who are unhappy with the decision. But he also mentions he's received notes of thanks and appreciation from the Native American community in light of Washington dropping "Redskins."

— Adam Zielonka (@Adam_Zielonka) December 14, 2020

Ron Rivera goes out of his way to praise WR Terry McLaurin for hitting 1,000 yards in 13 games. He says it illustrates his consistency despite “playing injured at certain points.”

“That really is the mark of a consistent player. ... I’m real proud of who he’s becoming.”

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) December 14, 2020

Ron Rivera: 'Please judge us on where we're going, not where we've been'

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 14, 2020

Rivera said after the Steelers game he started receiving more recognition around town. Starbucks employees gushed. At a stoplight he noticed a man in the next car mouth, "Holy crap, it's Ron Rivera."

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 14, 2020

After the Steelers win, Ron Rivera mentioned he’s been recognized more and hopes it means the local community is getting re-energized.

Those who created small stirs:
• Barista at Starbucks
• Driver next to him at a stoplight
• Mother and son at the Safeway in Great Falls, Va

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) December 14, 2020