Pressers

Ron Rivera Presser: Consistency is key to success in the organization

Ron Rivera speaks to the media

By Scott Jennings@ScottJenningsHH Dec 3, 2020, 3:00am EST

The consistency the Pittsburgh Steelers have in their culture and philosophy is an example of what he wants Washington to have. Rivera has talked about improving the culture here since being hired, and has pointed out examples of what he wants to be throughout the season. Consistency is key to success in the organization.

Terry McLaurin is one of the best examples of the type of player Rivera wants on his team. His daily preparation continues to stand out. He is always ready for the next task, lesson, practice and game. “Those are the intangibles that you want all of your young players to have.”

Ron Rivera says he's not heavy handed when game-planning with his coordinators. They have conversations during the week, but he is not telling Scott Turner how to call the offense. “The one thing I don’t want to do is tell the play-caller what to call.”

Press Conference: Head Coach Ron Rivera
Head Coach Ron Rivera spoke to the media ahead of the Week 13 matchup.
Posted by Washington Football Team on Thursday, December 3, 2020

Injury report:

First injury report for #WASvsPIT:

LIMITED: Ryan Anderson and Morgan Moses

FULL: Deshazor Everett and Cornelius Lucas

After missing the past two games, Everett and Lucas seem to be on track to play Monday night against the Steelers.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 3, 2020

Pittsburgh Steelers consistency:

Rivera said Pittsburgh has stayed consistent with its philosophy and culture, and the Steelers are an example of what he wants to establish in Washington.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 3, 2020

Washington Football Team consistency:

Rivera said consistency is a key to success. That's one of the things Washington has to do down the stretch as it tries to establish its culture and improves its standing in the NFC East.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 3, 2020

Terry McLaurin:

Terry McLaurin's daily preparation has really stood out to Rivera. He's always ready for the next task, whether that be meetings or practices or games.

"Those are the intangibles that you want all of your young players to have."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 3, 2020

Scott Turner:

Rivera said Turner and he are having little conversations about the game plan throughout the week. He doesn't want to ever tell his coordinators how to call a game. Instead he just wants to help out wherever he can.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 3, 2020

During games, Ron Rivera said that he'll communicate with offensive coordinator Scott Turner about things he notices. But it's more him throwing out ideas than it is directing Turner.

"The one thing I don't want to do is tell the play-caller what to call."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 3, 2020

Rivera said there are some similarities between Scott Turner and his father, Norv. Scott is always thinking about the next play, and that's something he noticed in his experience with Norv.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 3, 2020

Protecting the ball vs the Steelers:

Ron Rivera says one of his biggest focuses this week is how well the Steelers defense forces turnovers. Washington will need Alex Smith and skill position guys to protect the ball
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 3, 2020

Rivera has been impressed with the way Pittsburgh is able to force turnovers and capitalize by getting into the end zone. PIT currently leads the NFL in turnover differential.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 3, 2020

Chase Claypool:

Rivera said Chase Claypool has quickness and the ability to get vertical. He's the same player they evaluated in the draft. The only difference is that he's more polished now.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 3, 2020

Playing on a short week:

Rivera admits how a short week can work both ways. There could be injuries that hamper you for the next game, or you can carry the momentum you build into the next matchup.

Steelers have five days between games. @WashingtonNFL has had 11
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 3, 2020

2011 lockout:

Ron Rivera was asked if 2011 (lockout) is still a relevant comparison for 2020, and he said no, it's much different.

And then we penciled in Tampa.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/BZmVePUSss
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 3, 2020

Redzone success:

Head Coach Ron Rivera spoke to the media about the defense's red zone success.

: https://t.co/a4xhvLqHha pic.twitter.com/Oyvp9fN7HX
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) December 3, 2020

Jack Del Rio

2nd half success:

Jack Del Rio says their 2nd half success is a result of settling down and not making 'halftime adjustments' -- Why? Because that term is largely out of touch -- they make adjustments all along as game goes on. As all staffs do. #WashingtonFooball
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) December 3, 2020

Not dwelling on big plays:

Jack Del Rio - says they can't dwell on one play or two -- they try and attack and address everything that has a negative impact. #WashingtonFootball
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) December 3, 2020

Washington DC Jack Del Rio asked about giving up 50+ yard scoring plays
"I guess we could look at a negative thing or two and dwell on it, but that's not how we operate."
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) December 3, 2020

Excellent defense:

DC Jack Del Rio spoke to the media about his staff and how they have dealt with the challenges of this season.

: https://t.co/QJ8hlLuDMd pic.twitter.com/APVDZ5JYRc
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) December 3, 2020

Jack Del Rio "We're playing excellent defense."

Also says DL Coach Sam Mills III & DB Coach Chris Harris are doing "excellent" in their first years as top position coaches. Doubles down says "outstanding job" with all the logistical issues. @WSHFootballSI
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) December 3, 2020

Redzone defense:

Jack Del Rio is addressing the media. Washington's defense has played well in the red zone, and he said it's not about one position making effort. It's how all groups, pass rush and coverage, work together.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 3, 2020

Woah, just realized @WashingtonNFL has the best red zone defense in the NFL. Opponents are only scoring touchdowns 48.39% of the time when they get inside the 20.

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio attributes this success to the pass rush and coverage working hand in hand.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 3, 2020

Passing defense:

For those wondering: The Steelers overtook Washington in passing defense after giving up just 110 net passing yards against the Ravens. https://t.co/B4mA0Lt9ie
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 3, 2020

Steelers running game:

Jack Del Rio on the Steelers' running game: "Obviously [James] Conner is a good back, but I think they have a lot of capable backs." Conner has been on the Reserve/COVID-19 List since Nov. 28.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 3, 2020

Wes Schweitzer

OL versatility:

Wes Schweitzer is addressing the media. With only so many players active, he said it is expected for every on the offensive line to play every position. That is something that O-Line John Matsko has them prepared for.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 3, 2020

Steelers’ defense:

Schweitzer said Pittsburgh is one of the best defenses in the NFL and will be a tough challenge for Washington's offense.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 3, 2020

Montez Sweat

Game plan:

Montez Sweat is addressing the media. He said the game plan has gotten more complex each week as Jack Del Rio continues to implement his system.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 3, 2020

Pick 6 vs the Cowboys:

On his pick-six against the Cowboys, he said he saw that same play in the Week 7 matchup and it was thrown over his head both times. He made sure that didn't happen again on Thanksgiving.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 3, 2020

Montez Sweat is very thankful for Ryan Kerrigan, who went and fetched the ball Sweat threw following his pick-6 in Dallas. The ball is now "back at the crib" as Sweat just said
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) December 3, 2020

Chase Young

Red zone defense:

Chase Young is addressing the media. Washington's defense has performed well in the red zone, but Young feels like that is a result of the unit playing better overall.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 3, 2020

Ben Roethlisberger:

New background alert from Chase Young.

Also, he says he's gotta remind himself to "keep rushing" vs. Big Ben. He's getting rid of the ball at a really fast rate and that can be frustrating for D-linemen, but he doesn't want to miss his chance at a sack the one time Ben holds it pic.twitter.com/aorvg6UMcM
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) December 3, 2020

Ryan Kerrigan:

Young observes Kerrigan every day, and some of the plays he makes are because of how much work he puts in. Kerrigan picks up on things midgame, and that's something he tries to copy.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 3, 2020

Countering offensive tackles:

Young said he tries to make offensive tackles react off of what he does. When he makes a move, he will counter on how the tackles react.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 3, 2020

Alex Smith:

"11's a Dude, man."

Chase Young loves him some Alex Smith. He's out there balling, Young said, and seeing him play just makes him smile.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 3, 2020

.@youngchase907 "11's (Alex Smith) a Dude!" Says he's blown away by what he's doing. @WSHFootballSI
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) December 3, 2020