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Newly signed veteran LB Thomas Davis had a conference call today with local reporters and gave some insight on his decision to sign with the Redskins, and what he brings to the team. Playing for Ron Rivera again was the biggest reason he’s coming here, but he also says there is talent on the defense that just needs leadership. Davis is prepared to teach, mentor, and play as he enters his 16th season. He also talked about the uncertainty everyone is experiencing about the upcoming season due to the global pandemic that is affecting everyone’s life.
Ron Rivera:
Thomas Davis says "first and foremost" reason to sign with Redskins was Ron Rivera. But he adds the "pieces are in place" for the Redskins defense to "wreck the game"
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) March 31, 2020
"He's not someone who is going to beat somebody down."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) March 31, 2020
Davis added that Rivera is all about motivate players and building them up. https://t.co/TyurPzE9hC
Jack Del Rio:
Thomas Davis is on a conference call with reporters. He said he's excited to be back on the east coast and with Ron Rivera. But he also says this: "It's Jack Del Rio's defense. It's going to be a learning curve."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) March 31, 2020
Josh Norman:
Thomas Davis says Josh Norman "didnt have a particularly impressive season" last year and he expects the Redskins secondary to be much better this year. Davis says he's good friends with Norman too.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) March 31, 2020
Thomas Davis believes it'll be a quick turnaround. Says he loves the pieces that are in place after watching, just feels they need good coaching. Cited as an example Josh Norman's rocky tenure - seemed to imply that with better coaching, it might have been different.
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) March 31, 2020
Talent:
New Redskins linebacker Thomas Davis on a conference call with DC media saying he thinks this team is much more talented than Ron Rivera's first Carolina team in 2011. "There are great players on this team." Says it just needs to be coached to reach its potential.
— Les Carpenter (@Lescarpenter) March 31, 2020
Redskins defensive line:
More Davis: "You look at the front four these guys have assembled... I look at the top six or eight guys; they're all capable of wrecking the game. As a linebacker you want to play behind guys capable of doing that."
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 31, 2020
Leadership:
Thomas Davis on conf call: "You look at all these guys and you feel they have the makings of becoming a really good team. They just need the right leadership."
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 31, 2020
Davis said he's going to do whatever is asked of him, whether it's mentoring, leading by example, etc.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) March 31, 2020
"It's all about giving back and getting the most out of the [young players]."
Buying in:
Key phrase from Thomas Davis: getting guys to buy in.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) March 31, 2020
I dont think that's an accident, and I dont think he was told to say it. I think thats why he's here above anything else.
Practice:
Davis on getting the most out of potential: "It's all about practice habits. ... That's something we've done under coach Rivera for a long time and it's shown."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) March 31, 2020
Davis is reaching preaching about practice habits. Creating an identity starts in practice. Got to make practice harder than the game. Says they did that under Rivera for a long time in Carolina.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) March 31, 2020
Working out during a global lockdown:
Davis said he has a home gym in his house, so that's been really beneficial during this time. Said it's imperative to do the things necessary to be prepared when they return to the field. #Redskins
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) March 31, 2020
Davis says he previously put a gym in his permanent home. Good thing under current conditions to stay in shape.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 31, 2020
Role in new Redskins defense:
Davis said he doesn't know what his specific role within the defense will be at this time. Still a lot to figure out.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) March 31, 2020
CBA:
Thomas Davis said he voted "yes" on the CBA: "Whenever you have a negotiation, it's a give and a take." He says time will tell what players gained and lost in the deal.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) March 31, 2020
Retirement:
Davis said he did not consider retiring this offseason. After playing with the Chargers last season and being productive, he's trying to show he can be productive in another new system.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) March 31, 2020
Thomas Davis said he would retire after 2018, but here he is entering his 16th season. Says he's still got something to give. Sounds like a guy who's fired up to play more football.
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) March 31, 2020
Offseason during a pandemic:
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Davis says he has "no clue" when he'll be at Redskins Park.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) March 31, 2020
He added that this next month will be crucial in limiting the spread of the virus and that people need to listen and stay home.
Regular season:
Davis on speculation of when the NFL season starts. "We can also speculate when the season is going to happen... but I think what happens this next month is critical." Added the importance of everyone following the social distancing and stay-at-home directions.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 31, 2020
Expanded playoffs:
Davis supports expanded NFL playoffs, though weird. "The 2nd team (in AFC/NFC) is being penalized for being a good football team. It just makes it more competitive, it adds more teams in and it allows teams that are hot late in the season like the Titans to be able to make a run"
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) March 31, 2020