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We got to hear from Head Coach Ron Rivera and Offensive Coordinator Scott Turner, but a few Washington players also go their turn.
Kevin Pierre-Louis was listed as a starter on the team’s unofficial depth chart and is expected to play a big role in the defense this season. He said he has always tried to be physical and aggressive since he’s not the biggest LB. Practicing against RBs like J.D. McKissic and Antonio Gibson has been a blessing this year.
Kevin Pierre-Louis
Aggressive:
Kevin Pierre-Louis addressing the media now. Said he's always tried to be physical and aggressive since he is not the biggest linebacker.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 9, 2020
Kevin Pierre-Louis said that the key to his rise has been playing more physical. Always felt he could play fast; but made more a decision to be physical; create separation off blocks, etc.
— John Keim (@john_keim) September 9, 2020
J.D. McKissic/Antonio GIbson:
Pierre-Louis said it's been a "blessing" to have to cover running backs J.D. McKissic and Antonio Gibson in practice.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 9, 2020
Logan Thomas is ready to begin his first NFL season as a starting TE, and says there are a whole lot of other playmakers on the team this year. It’s different this year with no preseason and COVID-19 protocols, but “football is football”. He noted that practice is different without Head Coach Ron Rivera there as a undergoes cancer treatment, but the veterans on the team keep the energy and tempo up.
Logan Thomas
Ready to go:
Tight end Logan Thomas addressing the media now. Said everyone is ready to go and get started up.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 9, 2020
Playmakers:
Thomas said the offense has a "whole bunch of playmakers."
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 9, 2020
Ron Rivera:
Thomas said you can tell the difference when Rivera is not there, but he added it's up to the veterans to keep the energy and tempo up.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 9, 2020
Logan Thomas admitted you can tell a difference when Ron isn't on the field vs. when he is. "He's the figurehead." Says it's up to him and the other vets to make sure the energy doesn't drop when Rivera isn't around
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) September 9, 2020
COVID-19 protocols:
Thomas on the NFL's COVID protocols: "So far, so good." Said the league and players have both done a good job abiding by the guidelines.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 9, 2020
No preseason:
Thomas said Week 1 will definitely be different without preseason games, but "football is football" in his mind.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) September 9, 2020
Rookie safety Kamren Curl had one of the best camps on the team, and impressed a lot of people with his play, but it took him time to understand the scheme. Once he learned more, the game slowed down, and he was able to play faster. Curl continues the preseason praise of DBs Coach Chris Harris, and also the theme of versatility on the team. McLaurin is looking forward to lining up all over the field with Steven Sims Jr. and calls their skills a perfect marriage. F1 appreciates all the fantasy football love this year, and wants to make all the fantasy GMs happy.
Kamren Curl
Dream come true:
Kam Curl says it was a "dream come true" to make the @WashingtonNFL roster as a rookie. @WSHFootballSI
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) September 9, 2020
Understanding the scheme:
Kamren Curl is addressing the media now. He said he slowly started to understand the defensive scheme as training camp went on, and when that happened, he started making more plays.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) September 9, 2020
Kamren Curl said early in camp he knew he wasn't making "impact plays." Said he started to focus on getting more INTs or pass breakups (which he did get). said the key was simple: His understanding of the defense increased; allowed him to play freer/faster
— John Keim (@john_keim) September 9, 2020
DBs Coach Chris Harris:
Curl is defensive backs coach Chris Harris is a very intelligent coach and brings a lot of energy to each practice. That makes it easy to want to play for a coach like that.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) September 9, 2020
Versatility:
Curl always felt like his versatility was important to Washington's coaches, particularly since offenses try to spread defenses out. His ability to play multiple positions at Arkansas helped him adjust to versatility needed in Washington.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) September 9, 2020
Washington’s #1 WR finished up today’s player availability and said he’s confident in the new offense heading into Sunday’s season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. He will get another opportunity to play against CB Darius Slay this week, and he’s looking forward to another fun matchup against him.
Terry McLaurin
Confidence:
Terry McLaurin is addressing the media. He feels confident about the offense heading into Sunday's game.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) September 9, 2020
Alex Smith:
McLaurin says he likes Alex Smith's spirit. If Smith has had a bad day, McLaurin hasn't seen it yet.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) September 9, 2020
Ron Rivera:
McLaurin says Ron Rivera is "not an excuse maker" and is "transparent" ..
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) September 9, 2020
"He's a guy who's going to shoot it to you straight." @WSHFootballSI #NFL
Steven Sims Jr.:
McLaurin and Steven Sims Jr. have both expressed interest in lining up at different spot in games, and this offense allows that to happen more easily. McLaurin called using his and Sims' abilities in the offense "a perfect marriage."
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) September 9, 2020
Fantasy football:
McLaurin has been gaining some traction as a fantasy pickup. He said it's cool to hear fans say they drafted him and likes how excited they get about what he can do during games.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) September 9, 2020
Terry McLaurin said he has so many people hitting him up and telling him they drafted him for fantasy that "it's not even funny." To no one's surprise, because he's an excellent person, Terry hopes to make those fantasy GMs happy
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) September 9, 2020
Strange offseason:
Terry McLaurin said it almost doesn't feel like the season is about to start with this offseason and the way things are out in the world. Agreed.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) September 9, 2020
Dwayne Haskins Jr.:
McLaurin said his relationship with his former Ohio State teammate Dwayne Haskins has grown a lot over the last year. Lots of communication.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) September 9, 2020
Darius Slay:
Terry McLaurin vs. Darius Slay
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) September 9, 2020
"Going up against a guy like Darius Slay..you know he's going to be patient.........I"m looking forward to another matchup with him. It should be pretty fun." @WSHFootballSI