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Washington Football Team Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio answered some questions as the team prepares to trim the roster down this weekend. He opened the presser by talking about Head Coach Ron Rivera, and his support for him as he receives treatment for cancer while still coaching the team. Del Rio is prepared to step in to lead the team if Rivera needs him, and the staff he’s put together will be handle the task.
Del Rio said the focus of the defense is pretty simple, don’t let the opposing team score, and get the ball back for Washington’s offense. Tackling is something they’ve been focusing on, and teaching the proper technique to the defense. They don’t tackle to the ground in practice, but using the proper leverage will prepare them for the season. Del Rio also said that second-year LB Cole Holcomb has had a good camp.
Training Camp Press Conference - Jack Del Rio https://t.co/FqxCtxGeB7
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) September 3, 2020
Ron Rivera:
Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio on Coach Rivera: "Whatever he needs, I'm prepared to fully support him."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 3, 2020
Jack Del Rio said he's assured Rivera that he's put together a good staff and would carry on if Rivera needs to step away for his cancer treatments.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) September 3, 2020
Del Rio on Coach Rivera:
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 3, 2020
"Each guy needs to be true to who he is, and Ron is true to who he is."
Del Rio said that head coaches typically have more clarity the second time around. Del Rio has already been a head coach twice, while Rivera is on his second stint in Washington.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 3, 2020
Improvement:
There's still more work to do before Week 1⃣ pic.twitter.com/vKq9wCRivB
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) September 3, 2020
Jack Del Rio is addressing the media right now. He said the team is looking for improvement everywhere. "Every aspect, everything we touch," the coaches are trying to make better.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) September 3, 2020
Defense:
Del Rio said each player on the defense should be looking to have a positive impact on their defense. He wants the defense to focus on two things: stop opposing offenses and getting the ball back.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) September 3, 2020
Del Rio says the defense does not need to do extra; every player needs to do their job.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 3, 2020
Del Rio lays out simple objectives: do not let the offense score and get the ball back for the offense.
Tackling:
Del Rio said the defense is trying every day to tackle with the proper leverage. Players aren't trying to go to the ground, but Del Rio doesn't believe you have to go to the ground to learn proper technique.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) September 3, 2020
Del Rio does not believe you have to bring people down to learn and develop tackling, so that's what they've been focusing on in practice.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 3, 2020
He anticipates that his defense will take at a high level this season.
Surprises:
Unfortunately, Del Rio did not elaborate. He does not want to provide a scouting report for Washington's opponents. We'll all find out Sept. 13. https://t.co/LSZv9S2T1n
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 3, 2020
Cole Holcomb:
Del Rio said Cole Holcomb had a good camp. They want to give him the opportunity to grow entering his second season.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) September 3, 2020
Potential to performance:
Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said fans should be excited about the defense getting to perform beyond their potential. “The guys are going to know what to do, go there fast and tackle well.”
— Logan Campbell (@loganncampbelll) September 3, 2020