The Washington Football Team's new LBs Coach Steve Russ stepped in front of the Zoom camera today to answer questions from the media. He talked about Cole Holcomb developing in his second season, and coaching Reuben Foster up for a return to the field. He also revealed that Ryan Anderson has been working exclusively with the defensive line. He also had some high praise for rookie LB Khaleke Hudson, and veteran Thomas Davis.
Steve Russ is a 2X Super Bowl champion a player, but is still learning as a coach which is one of the reasons he followed Ron Rivera to Washington. He looks forward to also coaching under Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio. He also liked the challenge of rebuilding Washington's defense.
Training Camp Press Conference - Linebackers Coach Steve Russ https://t.co/qvOxspV93J
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) August 4, 2020
Ron Rivera:
Linebackers coach Steve Russ on a Zoom call with reporters. On Ron Rivera's leadership style: "He's just so relatable about how he goes about his approach with guys."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 4, 2020
Russ said Rivera is "one of the finest leaders of men that I've been around." He's relatable, real and genuine. What Rivera says, he means, and players can sense that.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 4, 2020
"This is the right guy for the job, there's no doubt that." LB coach Steve Russ on coach Ron Rivera.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Steve Russ says that neither coach Ron Rivera or defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio poke their nose in the LB room more than other rooms. They let him do his thing. Obviously, they played LB at a high level, so it would make sense if they did.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Russ said he is a "damn fool" if he doesn't gravitate to Rivera and Del Rio. It's a rare opportunity for an assistant coach to have two for linebackers to learn from. He said he's getting his Ph.D in coaching linebackers.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 4, 2020
Russ said that when he joined Carolina's staff in 2018, Ron Rivera joked that he had the hardest job in the building because Rivera has played and coached linebacker in the NFL. Added that he's getting a PHD in coaching linebackers every day.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 4, 2020
Why he came to Washington:
Russ said he chose to come to Washington because he wanted to coach for Rivera and learn from Jack Del Rio. It was an opportunity for him to grow as a coach, and he likes the challenge of rebuilding Washington's defense.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 4, 2020
LB coach Steve Russ also added that he likes to fix things. And feels this team is on the precipice
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Ryan Anderson:
LB coach Steve Russ said that Ryan Anderson has worked with DL coach Sam Mills III. He hasn't worked him as a LB.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Russ gets a Ryan Anderson question. Anderson is listed as a LB. However (plot twist), Russ says he hasn’t worked with RA because he’s in the DL room. Okay, that should end the position discussion. I think.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 4, 2020
Linebackers:
Russ said he received a video from one of his players at 11 p.m. asking him if he was doing a drill right. https://t.co/Hq4aFnSUsd
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 4, 2020
Russ said he feels there will be plenty of competition at the linebacker position. He has a bunch of guys who love football. He likes how they're hungry and their intent to be great.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 4, 2020
Military background:
"We can be demanding without being demeaning." LB coach Steve Russ, who played for Air Force and was in the service, said of what he and coach Ron Rivera are bringing with their military background. Said the word discipline gets a negative rap.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Like Rivera, Russ also has a military background. Said the values of structure, organization, discipline and selflessness are crucial when it comes to football as well.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 4, 2020
Russ said football is like the military in that it's mission oriented. Working as team and not focusing on individuals are core aspects of the military that Russ wants to bring to the team.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 4, 2020
Reuben Foster:
LB coach Steve Russ says he interacts with LB Reuben Foster, who's on the PUP list, as if he's going to be out there. He said Foster is treating it that way, too.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Russ said he treats, teaches and interacts with Reuben Foster as if he's cleared to play. Foster, who tore his ACL last May, is currently on the Physically Unable To Perform list.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 4, 2020
Steve Russ wants to get Reuben Foster ready mentally and physically. He said when they were out there today, Foster was mentally putting himself out there. He says when they're on Zoom, Foster will put him on mute and he'll map out what's supposed to be happening on the play.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Fun detail: Steve Russ quizzes guys during meetings and over Zoom, if he's not called on, Reuben Foster will put himself on mute and mimic the calls with hand gestures. He's still answering even if not asked.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 4, 2020
LB Coach Steve Russ on a Reuben Foster return: He is approaching it like he is going to be back out there and will be ready. Del Rio told me he's working hard to get back and has been engaged in meetings. No green light yet. #washingtonfootballteam
— Julie Donaldson (@juliedonaldson_) August 4, 2020
Cole Holcomb:
Linebackers coach Steve Russ gives his thoughts on Cole Holcomb's rookie season pic.twitter.com/8Go3QI4EQw
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) August 4, 2020
Russ can "see the raw talent" in Cole Holcomb. He can see the talent on film. He's one of those football junkies, Russ said, which are the types of players he loves to be around. There are some things that Russ wants to clean up, but he and Holcomb are eager to fix them.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 4, 2020
Russ said LB Cole Holcomb is a “very raw player”. Said he’s working on the rough edges (key reads; initial footwork) all stuff that Holcomb knew needed work. Calls Holcomb a film junkie (talked to him about this last year; he watches a ton. So does Bostic/Davis).
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 4, 2020
Thomas Davis:
"You couldn't have asked for a better example for those younger guys" - Linebackers coach Steve Russ on @ThomasDavisSDTM pic.twitter.com/FC8AXSsT3Y
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) August 5, 2020
As a player, Steve Russ thought Steve Atwater was the best leader he had ever been around. But he says Thomas Davis tops that. "That's no knock on Steve." High, high praise.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 4, 2020
Russ said that Thomas Davis Sr. is the best player/leader combo that he's been around.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 4, 2020
Not only will he help the LBs room "tremendously," but he will also be able to help Rivera and Del Rio implement their philosophies.
Setting the tone:
"We set the tone and tempo for everything we do as a defense everyday." Steve Russ on his expectations for the linebacker group. He expects them to play fast, aggressive, high energy and be productive.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Khaleke Hudson:
Russ said rookie Khaleke Hudson has been great so far. He's willing to learn from veterans, which Russ said is important for young players.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 4, 2020