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Ron Rivera was much happier with the effort the team put into today’s practice. He ripped into the team following yesterday’s practice, and they players seem to have responded. Shaun Dion-Hamilton had to dialed back after he got too aggressive with a clothesline tackle on J.D. McKissic.
Dwayne Haskins Jr. is starting to develop chemistry with McKissic and Logan Thomas. Today was labeled Logan Thomas Day by local reporters as he caught multiple TDs from Haskins, and also lined up at QB. Thomas is likely to see a lot of action this season.
Rivera praised new Washington CB Ronald Darby for setting the tone in practice and how he mentors younger players. He loves the way Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio is playing to his strengths. Rivera also discussed why corners love playing in the system they run on defense.
Chase Young has not been practicing since a hip flexor kept him out last Wednesday. Rivera acknowledged that the team is being overly cautious with this year’s #2 overall pick. He has been working off to the side with coaches, and they are focusing on teaching him the defense in the classroom. Rivera said he’s going to be a part of this for years to come.
Training Camp Press Conference - Head Coach Ron Rivera https://t.co/A1WLHlc7Xz
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) August 23, 2020
Practice:
Ron Rivera says his team responded well to hiis message yesterday. It was hot and long practice too - "I thought they came through for the most part" Rivera jokes once he watches the tape he will figure out who to yell at
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 23, 2020
After a lot of (ahems) in a message to players following practice yesterday Rivera said he liked how his players responded Sunday. “Their attitude was what we were looking for,” Rivera said.
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 23, 2020
Rivera's post-practice was short and lacked the string of expletives in the mix yesterday. Said he was pleased with the effort.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 23, 2020
Dwayne Haskins Jr.:
Rivera says Haskins is starting to develop chemistry with guys like J.D. McKissic and Logan Thomas. He noted he already had it with McLaurin and Sims, but it's important to do so with others.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 23, 2020
Ronald Darby:
Ron Rivera impressed with Ronald Darby so far in camp. He's been good and Del Rio's scheme plays to Darby's strengths
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 23, 2020
Ron Rivera on Ronald Darby: "I like how he's setting the tone. I watch the way he practices, I watch the way he talks to the young guys. ... He's a play-maker. ... I also like the way Jack is playing him to his strengths."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 23, 2020
Turnovers:
"I wasn't happy about that" on the offensive turnovers. But says the offense bouncing back was important. @WSHFootballSI @SInow @theMMQB
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) August 23, 2020
Chase Young:
Here's Rivera on Chase Young. Says they may need to be more cautious than they need to be, because "he's going to be a part of this for years to come." pic.twitter.com/NMuGdIwF94
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) August 23, 2020
Ron Rivera on Chase Young: "We want to make sure before we throw him out there so we may be a little more cautious than we need to be. ... We want to be smart with him, but we also need to make sure he's mentally where he needs to be, and emotionally too."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 23, 2020
Ron Rivera on Chase Young: "We want to make sure before we put him back out there.....We want to be smart with him."
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) August 23, 2020
Says he's still dialed in. "He loves being here." @WSHFootballSI @SInow @theMMQB
Communication:
Rivera is saying they judge communication and offense knowing what they are supposed to do as opposed to the actual result first.
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) August 23, 2020
He means WR running route based on man, C-3, etc & if OL is calling out right protection. @WSHFootballSI @SInow @theMMQB
Alex Smith:
Ron Rivera is addressing the media now. When asked if 11v11 drills were in the future, Rivera said, "We'll see." He has seen solid progress from Smith since practice began.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 23, 2020
Rivera points out that Alex Smith took off and ran on a play in which protection broke down. Says that's what they are looking for to bump him up to 11 vs. 11. @WSHFootballSI @SInow @theMMQB
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) August 23, 2020
Jimmy Moreland:
Rivera on Jimmy Moreland: "I think Jimmy is hilarious." He loves his confidence. "Every now and then, Jimmy might be on another planet" but says he's been overall good.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 23, 2020
Rivera said Jimmy Moreland has a confidence to him that you like to see. Moreland has played well in camp so far and seen plenty of playing time.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 23, 2020
Rivera on J. Moreland: "Jimmy is hilarious." loves Moreland's confidence; says attitude is "put me at any position and I'll come through." says hilarious b/c sometimes "he's on another planet...not focused on what needs to do all the time... has ability to get to the next level."
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 23, 2020
COVID-19:
The new "bulletin board material": Ron Rivera posts coronavirus slip-ups from other leagues for his players to see so they stay vigilant.
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) August 23, 2020
Ron Rivera on COVID-19 protocols: "For my situation, I asked the players, I'm going to really truly ask you to be disciplined because I need it."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 23, 2020
Special teams:
Ron Rivera on ST's says Nate Kaczor is running his guys hard in practice.
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) August 23, 2020
With no games, that's been important.
Starts with good specialists.