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New Redskins Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio spoke to the media today. He’s obviously excited to work with the #2 overall pick Chase Young. He talked about his influence on the entire defense, and also the roles for Ryan Kerrigan and Ryan Anderson. Competition is king in Del Rio’s eyes. He’s looking forward to the battle at linebacker and cornerback this year. And also unleashing the defensive line.
Defensive CoordinatorJack Del Rio Speaks to the MediaDefensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio spoke to the media about Chase Young, the transition to the 4-3 defense and more.
Posted by Washington Redskins on Thursday, 28 May 2020
Chase Young:
Del Rio says Chase Young has been "doing all that he can" in the meetings: "The sky is the limit for him in terms of what he'll be able to bring to us."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) May 28, 2020
Jack Del Rio feels like the coaches have been doing a great job of install portion of their virtual classes. He says Chase Young has been doing everything they ask. He can't wait to get on the field with him. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) May 28, 2020
Jack Del Rio says it's been difficult not being hands on with Chase Young but the "sky is the limit" in what he can bring to the Redskins pic.twitter.com/GZqTX7IgcW
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) May 28, 2020
Del Rio has watched plenty of film of @youngchase907, and he can already tell that he's going to be a really good player. #Redskins
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 28, 2020
Del Rio said Young is just one player, but having him on the defense creates more disruption and allows for other players to have success. #Redskins
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) May 28, 2020
"He's still just one player, but he's one player that offenses have to deal with." Jack Del Rio on the impact a pass rusher like the Macks, Millers and Peppers of the world can create, and if Chase Young is anything like them. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) May 28, 2020
Ryan Anderson:
Del Rio did not mention where exactly Anderson will play, but it seems like linebacker is the better fit with more opportunities for playing time. #Redskins https://t.co/eQU7gRbAaQ
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 28, 2020
One player that hasn’t gotten as much attention is Ryan Anderson. Del Rio said they’re excited to get him involved and he agrees with Ron Rivera’s earlier comment that Anderson is a versatile player. #Redskins
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) May 28, 2020
Reuben Foster:
Jack Del Rio says Reuben Foster is keeping up in Zoom meetings but will all come to being medically cleared
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) May 28, 2020
Del Rio said the #Redskins have approached the virtual meetings as if LB Reuben Foster will be cleared to play. Added that Foster has been participating during the meetings. Now it's a matter of when he'll be cleared.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 28, 2020
Linebackers:
Del Rio said the #Redskins have an "interesting mix" of linebackers. Highlighted the addition of Thomas Davis Sr. and the return of Cole Holcomb.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 28, 2020
Del Rio also made sure to bring up Kevin Pierre-Louis as someone who could contribute.
Del Rio on the LB room. Calls it "an interesting mix... a blend" with the old guys like Thomas Davis and a kid with speed like Cole Holcomb. Mentioned Kevin Pierre-Louis as a player who's more than just a special teams performer.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 28, 2020
Kevin Pierre Louis:
Del Rio seems high on the potential of linebacker Kevin Pierre Louis who was signed in free agency. Says he’s “been under the radar” but played well when given the chance last year.
— Les Carpenter (@Lescarpenter) May 28, 2020
Secondary competition:
Del Rio said Rivera and Kyle Smith did a really good job of giving the #Redskins "pieces to compete with" this fall. A large part of that happened with the back seven. Highlighted CBs Darby, Fuller, Moreland and Moreau. Said it will be a "very competition" situation.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 28, 2020
The secondary has undergone some of the most change under Rivera, and Del Rio believes he and Kyle Smith have done a great job giving the defense pieces to be successful. He feels like the group is going to be “very competitive” next year. #Redskins
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) May 28, 2020
Kendall Fuller:
Del Rio called Kendall Fuller a "valuable get" for the #Redskins because of his versatility.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 28, 2020
Del Rio on coverages. Danced around whether they plan on a man or zone emphasis. Said for now they are building out "the library" of coverages and will learn more about the best options once everyone takes the field. Kendall Fuller's versatility boosts the options.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 28, 2020
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Scheme:
"We're building our library, and making sure guys understand our system." Once the coaches see the players on the field, then they'll know how far they can take their scheme, Jack Del Rio explains. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) May 28, 2020
Del Rio says that wherever he's been he's tried to look at what they've been exposed to, who the staffs are and what they can put together. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) May 28, 2020
Del Rio doesn't just come in, throw a playbook down and say this is how they're doing things. The process is more involved and collaborative. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) May 28, 2020
Communication breakdown:
Many of the defensive players explained that the reason the D didn't play up to their potential was communication issues. Jack Del Rio says the coaches have addressed that and are continue to working on it. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) May 28, 2020
Working forward:
Del Rio: "I want to spend a lot less time looking back and a lot more time working forward." #Redskins
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 28, 2020
Family on the coaching staff:
Del Rio said it's been "awesome" being on the same staff as his son, @LDelRio12, who is an offensive quality control coach. #Redskins
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 28, 2020
Del Rio and his son, Luke, are both on the #Redskins staff. He’s excited that his son gets an opportunity to coach in the NFL. They work on opposite sides of the ball, so get ready for some family competition in practice.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) May 28, 2020
Mental/Physical toughness:
Jack Del Rio says the common theme across different generations or the successful defenses he's coached is toughness. Not just physical, but mental toughness to keep going and move onto the next play. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) May 28, 2020
Defensive line:
Del Rio said the #Redskins will ask their defensive line to be more penetrating and disruptive. The linebackers will know how to play off of that, and he thinks that style is going to be a lot of fun for the players.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) May 28, 2020
4-3 defense?:
The Redskins continue to downplay the switch to a 4-3. Del Rio says base formations are used only a third of the time, but adds defensive line will have more "freedom" when rushing the passer.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) May 28, 2020
Jack Del Rio says the switch from 4/3 vs 3/4 isnt that big of a deal but more importantly Redskins d-line will get off gap scheme and take more aggressive approach at line of scrimmage. Thinks his D-linemen will love it
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) May 28, 2020
Former head coaches:
Del Rio says he believes it's wise to have former head coaches, coaches with experience on the staff. Ron Rivera talked about that a lot wanting that level of expertise. Del Rio says it makes it easier to delegate #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) May 28, 2020
Del Rio said the head coach is involved with "a lot of work," so it's wise to surround yourself with accomplished coaches so that you can delegate more. Rivera has done that, and Del Rio said he did that as a head coach as well. #Redskins
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 28, 2020
Ryan Kerrigan:
Asked about Ryan Kerrigan, Del Rio says: "You're fired up about having all these guys, but they're not going to be able to be on the field all the time."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) May 28, 2020
He says it will come down to competition. "It's good to have good players."
Something really smart from Jack Del Rio - he says coaching is about getting guys in good positions but also keeping guys out of bad positions. Maybe that means less pass coverage for Sweat, Kerrigan, etc
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) May 28, 2020
Competition:
"You're not going to play all the time, you're not going to always be the starter. Those things are best settled through competition." -- Jack Del Rio on having all of these good players, but obviously not everyone will be able to get on the field #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) May 28, 2020
Del Rio touched on having a wealth of talent on the defensive line. It’s good to have those options, but that can lead to harder decisions on how often to player everyone. The best way that Del Rio knows how to solve that problem is through competition. #Redskins
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) May 28, 2020
"Those who perform the best, will play the most." Jack Del Rio on the depth the team has now. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) May 28, 2020
Del Rio said it’s not surprising that many of the #Redskins players are excited about competing for a role on the team. That will allow the coaches to put players in the best position to succeed.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) May 28, 2020
Jonathan Allen:
Jack Del Rio discussed players having a chance to change the coaches minds about them through practice, as it relates to the virtual classes, he pointed out how Jonathan Allen is always on 15 minutes before meetings. He's picked up on those kind of tendencies with players #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) May 28, 2020
ESPN:
Working at ESPN, Del Rio said he was able to study the entire NFL and have an informed opinion. Also he said has a greater appreciation for the media side of the sport. #Redskins
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 28, 2020
White on white uniforms:
"If Coach Rivera or Mr. Snyder want to know my opinion" Jack Del Rio says he wants to bring back the white on white uniforms for Washington. But that's up to the coach and owner to do so. Fans, your prayers are being heard. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) May 28, 2020
Del Rio showed his support for the white on white uniforms on Twitter. He said fans shouldn’t look too much into it, but he joked that if Rivera or Dan Snyder ever want his opinions on what uniforms to wear in Week 1, they have his support for the all whites. #Redskins
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) May 28, 2020
Sounds good week 1 https://t.co/R8reRpof8m
— Jack Del Rio (@coachdelrio) May 27, 2020