Logan Thomas seems to have the inside track to the be the Washington Football Team’s starting tight end this year. He was given a 2-year deal this offseason, and continues his evolution from QB to TE in the NFL. He has become a reliable target for starting QB Dwayne Haskins Jr. in training camp, and coaches and reporters have noted their rapport growing in practice.
Thomas is a big fan of Head Coach Ron Rivera, and says he is a calming presence that commands respect. Offensive Coordinator Scott Turner has been a part of some good offenses for tight ends in Minnesota and Carolina, and Thomas likes that his schemes can make defenses overthink, leading to big mistakes. Tight Ends Coach Pete Hoener is one of the most vocal coaches on the team, but Thomas appreciates what he has done for other TEs, and what he is working to do for this group.
Thomas works every year to become a better tight end, and earn his spot on the team, and in the league. He has improved every year as a tight end since making the switch from QB in 2016. His understanding of what defense are trying to do continues to grow, along with his arsenal of techniques, and his versatility.
Training Camp Press Conference - Logan Thomas https://t.co/bnUJ5KacGp
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) August 28, 2020
Dwayne Haskins Jr.:
Here's Logan Thomas on his connection with Dwayne Haskins pic.twitter.com/B3c2Uw2Mys
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) August 28, 2020
Thomas said he thinks Dwayne Haskins has made progress every day. He and Haskins have developed a strong connection throughout camp.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 28, 2020
Logan Thomas says Dwayne Haskins has been "great" to work with....
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) August 28, 2020
"I think it's just understanding" on where he is as a TE now vs. a year ago.
Feels like the year in Detroit really helped him.
"I want to be someone he's confident in to make a play." on relationship w/ No. 7
Evolving as a tight end:
Thomas said he has a better understanding of how to play tight end. He knows the techniques in blocking schemes and what defenses are trying to do in the passing game.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 28, 2020
Thomas said his overall understanding of the position has improved from last year to this year. Remember that Thomas entered the league as a QB; switched to TE in 2016.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 28, 2020
Logan Thomas on where he's different as a TE compared to last year: "Just understanding. I knwo what defenses are going to try and do. I understand what techniques to use in the run game and what techniques to use in the pass game."
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 28, 2020
Red zone:
Thomas said he just wants to be a good target for quarterbacks. He hopes his size will be useful in the red zone. But the team is all about working together, so if he doesn't end up being the target on a play, he's confident someone else can step up.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 28, 2020
Marcus Baugh:
Thomas said he and Marcus Baugh have a good relationship. He said Baugh is very athletic and has the ability to make big plays.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 28, 2020
Thomas said he's got a good relationship with TE Marcus Baugh. They've been the top 2 tight ends throughout training camp.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 28, 2020
Then Thomas went on to highlight the entire TEs room.
Offensive Coordinator Scott Turner:
Thomas highlights how the tight ends performed when Scott Turner was in Minnesota and Carolina. That gives Thomas confidence that he can have similar success now that Turner is in Washington.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 28, 2020
Thomas said this offense makes defenses think more, and when defenses start to overthink, that's when big plays happen.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 28, 2020
Ron Rivera:
Thomas "really likes" Coach Ron Rivera. Exactly what he thought he was. When something isn't going right, Rivera will step into the huddle and say to focus on the play at hand. Called Rivera a calming presence.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 28, 2020
Thomas said Ron Rivera is very calm. He rolls with the punches and continues to do his job. He said he has "mad respect" for Rivera and how he has handled things. He said all Rivera wants to do is help them get better.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 28, 2020
Being placed on the COVID-19 list:
Logan Thomas was surprised he had tested positive for coronavirus to begin camp. He had no symptoms.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 28, 2020
Dealing with frustration in camp:
Despite a solid camp, TE Logan Thomas has been visibly frustrated at times. On one occasion, he threw him helmet. Today, he did 5 push-ups after going offsides. His explanation:
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 28, 2020
"I wanna be great, I demand to be great, so when I do something stupid, that's how it comes out."
Choosing Washington:
Knowing the offense and seeing what this coaching staff has done with other versatile players, Thomas thought his skillset would be utilized correctly in Washington.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 28, 2020
Yesterday’s day of reflection on social injustice and racism:
Here's the always-thoughtful Logan Thomas, on yesterday's day of reflection about racism in society. pic.twitter.com/KDNVt1TBtR
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) August 28, 2020