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Head Coach Ron Rivera was at a scheduled cancer treatment today, so Jack Del Rio ran today's Washington Football Team practice. He talked about this week's game against the Baltimore Ravens and their dynamic QB Lamar Jackson. They are considering all options to stop him, including studying the Chiefs game plan from Monday night.
Del Rio said the defense was hesitant when they faced Cardinals QB Kyler Murray two weeks ago. They have to remain aggressive when facing mobile QBs, and they did a better job of that last week vs Browns QB Baker Mayfield.
Del Rio wouldn't commit to ruling Chase Young out with his groin injury. They will evaluate him this week, and then make a decision when they need to. Montez Sweat had a big game last week, and he is doing what they want, stopping the run on the way to the quarterback. They are also excited for Tim Settle to get more opportunities. He's a good player after Matt Ioannidis' season-ending injury. James Smith-Williams and Nate Orchard will also get more chances to play due to injuries on the defensive line.
Injury Report:
Washington's practice/injury report for Wednesday:
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 30, 2020
DID NOT PRACTICE
WR Dontrelle Inman (wrist)
RT Morgan Moses (groin)
DE Ryan Anderson (ankle)
LB Cole Holcomb (knee)
WR Steven Sims Jr. (toe)
DE Ryan Kerrigan (non-injury-related)
LIMITED
OT Saahdiq Charles (thigh)
Lamar Jackson:
Jack Del Rio calls Lamar Jackson "outstanding." He says the dual-threat make it a little bit more challenging.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) September 30, 2020
Del Rio called Lamar Jackson "outstanding," and the defense is "geared up" to play against Baltimore's offense.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) September 30, 2020
DC Jack Del Rio addresses the media: Lamar is outstanding, things they are doing with him play to his strength. The guys that can run and throw make it very challenging. #WashingtonFootball
— Julie Donaldson (@juliedonaldson_) September 30, 2020
Del Rio said there is not a specific area where the team can exploit QB Lamar Jackson: "This guy is tremendously talented." Also said he has a tremendous cast around him.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 30, 2020
Chiefs defensive plan:
Del Rio said Washington will consider all options in scheming for Baltimore's offense. That includes the Chiefs, who defeated the Ravens on Monday Night.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) September 30, 2020
Stay aggressive vs mobile QBs:
Jack Del Rio says they don't have to throw out everything they do & believe in because they didn't do a great job against Kyler Murray.
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) September 30, 2020
Says they have "to remain aggressive" with the pass rush.
Del Rio thought Washington's defense played "tentative" against the Cardinals when rushing Kyer Murray. They did better against the Browns will have a plan for containing Lamar Jackson and they intend to follow it.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) September 30, 2020
Tim Settle:
Del Rio said the team likes Tim Settle; he's just been "stuck behind three really talented guys." With Ioannidis out, Settle will get a lot more opportunities to contribute.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 30, 2020
Chase Young:
Jack Del Rio declines to confirm a report that Chase Young is out this week. He says that doesn't do anyone good.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) September 30, 2020
Del Rio on the mic with Rivera away. Said they will see how Chase Young progresses during the week, but no declaration on in or out against the Ravens.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) September 30, 2020
Next man up:
Jack Del Rio not exactly ruling out Chase Young just yet. Says it's too early in the week.
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) September 30, 2020
Says Settle, James Smith-Williams & Nate Orchard are pumped up & ready if they're called upon. @WSHFootballSI@LockedWFTPod
Turnovers from your offense:
Del Rio says that if the offense turns it over, the defense needs to look at it as "an opportunity to rise up and put the fire out" instead of complaining about the circumstances. No excuses.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 30, 2020
Montez Sweat:
Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio spoke to the media about what he has seen from Montez Sweat
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) September 30, 2020
Del Rio said Montez Sweat played really well against the Browns. He's getting an understanding how to play as a down lineman. He's continuing to grow and develop with what the coaching staff is teaching him.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) September 30, 2020
Del Rio on Montez Sweat: "He really played well last week."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 30, 2020
Said he continues to gain a better understanding of what they expect of him in this defense, which is stopping the run on the way to the quarterback.