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Drew Terrell
Coaching job:
Drew Terrell is up addressing the media first. It's been a fun transition for him, especially with so many new faces in the group. Becoming an assistant is everything he has worked for so far in his career.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Rookie WRs:
Terrell said Dyami Brown and Dax Milne have done a great job handling all the information he has thrown at them. You wouldn't notice they're rookies, he said, because they're getting "thrown into the fire" just like everyone else.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Terry McLaurin:
Terry McLaurin said he wanted to get off the line better. Terrell has noticed how much he has worked on that and everything they have asked him to do. He's done a good job of taking those coaching points and putting them into action on the field.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Terrell thinks Terry McLaurin is still developing as a leader, but he sees McLaurin off to the side helping the young WR. It's not in a way that McLaurin is trying to attract attention to himself. It's a more genuine way of helping them in the best way possible.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Curtis Samuel:
Terrell said Curtis Samuel's arrow is pointing up and yet he still has a lot to learn and grow.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Competition:
Terrell said the over competition in the group has stood out to him and it elevates everyone in the room. There are a lot of players who can make things happen with the ball in their hands, and that should be exciting for coaches and fans alike.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Terell said he showed the room an iconic picture of Michael Phelps and encouraged them to focus on their own race. https://t.co/yLCp5qUMfV
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) June 7, 2021
WR skillset:
WR coach Drew Terrell says of his group, "We have every skill set." Have players who can win outside; have inside guys; players who can move around... "It's something for us and fans to be excited about," he said.
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 7, 2021
Cam Sims:
Terrell said the team relied heavily on Cam Sims. He called Sims "the glue" of the group, and he's getting better every day. He's one of the smartest guys in the room in terms of moving him around the field.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Terrell raved about Cam Sims; called him the glue of their group. "He became a true pro last year. We relied on him a ton. He's done a fantastic job. He's one of the smartest guys in the room [as far as] being able to move him around. ...really excited for Cam and what's ahead."
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 7, 2021
Developing WRs:
Also now is the time to take a look at this story I wrote on how Terrell plans to develop Washington's WRs.https://t.co/OLzkM7FDKe
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Pete Hoener
Demanding excellence:
Pete Hoener is up next addressing the media. When you demand excellence of a player, he said, you teach him to put detail in their work.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Passionate coaching:
#WFT TE Coach Pete Hoener on his passionate style:
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) June 7, 2021
"Maybe it's my colorful language?"
Hoener said his favorite part of being a coach is being on the field, because that is where the players mature and develop. That's the key part of being a coach.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Logan Thomas:
Hoener looks for "complete tight end traits" in players, and that's what he saw in Logan Thomas. He had first step quickness and speed in his breaks when watching film on, and that played a role in vouching for Washington to sign him.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Pete Hoener on Logan Thomas: "Right now, when I talk about a complete tight, he's got to be within the top five, six, seven of the league."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) June 7, 2021
Hoener said Washington's system needs a complete tight end. It doesn't work well with a small tight end who can't block. It requires players like Thomas, who can block just as effectively as he can catch a pass.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
TEs coach Pete Hoener on Logan Thomas: "He's got to be in the top 5, 6, 7 in the league."
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) June 7, 2021
Hoener believes Thomas can make another large jump like he did last year. He said Thomas is getting out of breaks better and will develop a stronger rapport with more QB stability.
Pete Hoener on searching for a complete tight end: "In the ideal world, you want three Logan Thomases out there."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) June 7, 2021
Sammis Reyes:
Hoener says Sammis Reyes has "great hands" for having never played football before. "Those types of things don't worry me a bit," Hoener said of Reyes' drops in OTAs.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) June 7, 2021
Hoener said Sammis Reyes has great hands for someone who has never played football. He's seen Reyes make difficult catches and low balls as well.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
TE coach Pete Hoener said he's not concerned about drops for Sammis Reyes early in camp. He thinks Reyes will quickly improve his eyes as he learns the scheme and catch more passes.
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) June 7, 2021
"For never having played football before, he's got great hands."
#WFT TE Coach Pete Hoener says Sammis Reyes has great hands and
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) June 7, 2021
"He's doing a heck of a job."
Compared him to Chris Manhertz, who he had in Carolina (now in Jax). Considered one of the better blocking TE's in #NFL ..
Says drops don't really bother him. #WashingtonFootball
TE coach Pete Hoener said he's seen Sammis Reyes make some excellent catches. Says some drops a result of getting used to running routes and looking back thru the D for the ball; some concentration, etc. Said, for someone who hasn't played before "he has great hands."
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 7, 2021
John Bates:
When it comes to Bates, he said the former Boise State player has been good, but he wants to get him and Reyes in camp to truly evaluate them since OTAs can only tell him so much.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Hoener also says of Reyes and rookie John Bates: He's anxious to get them to training camp, see how they handle being in pads, the heat, increased intensity in practices, preseason games, etc.
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 7, 2021
Randy Jordan
Jaret Patterson:
Randy Jordan is addressing the media now. He said the team is excited for Jaret Patterson. He's shown a great ability to catch in the backfield, which is something they didn't see initially on tape.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
RB coach Randy Jordan says they're excited about UDFA Jaret Patterson..."He's shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, something we did not see on tape," Jordan said. The big key: How Patterson develops in pass protection.
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 7, 2021
Washington RBs coach Randy Jordan on Jaret Patterson: "When I watch him on tape is his ability to make his teammates better, the offensive line better, because he's able to make runs and see things before they even happen."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 7, 2021
Antonio Gibson:
Jordan said "it's like night and day" for Antonio Gibson's development. He wants to see Gibson utilize being able to catch the ball, which is something they didn't use too much last year.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Gibson has improved in understanding what the offense is doing from a schematic standpoint. He understands why certain plays don't work out the way they were supposed to, and he's learning how to press the line of scrimmage to get more positive yards.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Ryan Fitzpatrick:
Jordan said Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to "make you guard every blade of grass."
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Randy Jordan thinks having Ryan Fitzpatrick will present lighter boxes, giving them better looks to run the ball if need be.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) June 7, 2021
Asked Washington RB coach Randy Jordan about how Ryan Fitzpatrick will help the run game. Mentions the ability and willingness to throw the ball down the field will lead to fewer defenders in the box. (cc: Antonio Gibson fantasy football owners)
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 7, 2021
Peyton Barber:
Jordan said the RB group has added "quality depth." It's about having to right players to be successful at the position. He mentioned Peyton Barber specifically, saying the team is really excited to have him back.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Randy says he feels pretty good about the overall position group and signals out Peyton Barber, unsolicited for how good he's looked. https://t.co/CmcZt1LChP
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) June 7, 2021
Opportunity to grow:
The consistency that Washington has at the RB position gives the group is opportunity to grow, Jordan said. You can learn the system, but players can also watch their own film to see what they need to do to get better.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Ken Zampese
Ryan Fitzpatrick:
Great stuff from #WashingtonFootball QB Coach Ken Zampese on Ryan Fitzpatrick
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) June 7, 2021
"He just drops these one-liners and bombs on guys and they don't even know what happened. He's got a great deal of swag... he's authentic through all of it which is the important part."@nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/mVwPsPad8v
Zampese said Fitzpatrick has an extreme desire to be included in some of the top quarterbacks in the league. He makes the most of his opportunities and he's always learning.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Ken Zampese says Ryan Fitzpatrick looks like a "whole new guy" from the last time they worked together in Cincinatti. He's fired up to work with him again.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) June 7, 2021
QB coach Ken Zampese on Ryan Fitzpatrick: "He has a great deal of swag... He's authentic."
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 7, 2021
QB coach Ken Zampese worked with Ryan Fitzpatrick previously - who hasn't - and was excited for the reunion considering the uptick in the player's play. As for why Fitz is playing his best deep into his 30s, Zampese cites an "extreme desire to excel."
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 7, 2021
Fitzpatrick is pretty unique, but Zampese sees a lot of comparisons to Brett Favre in terms of how he builds relationships and works to build chemistry with his receivers.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Zampese raves about Fitzpatrick's communication skills. Says his witty one-liners in meetings helps develop relationships. "Ryan has a lot of humor in him and uses it to build bridges... so guys are playing free."
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 7, 2021
Taylor Heinicke:
Zampese is really excited about Taylor Heinicke's potential. He's seen all the work he does behind the scenes. He takes his role seriously, and that gives Zampese a lot of confidence in what he can do.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Interesting answer from Ken Zampese on what it will take for Taylor Heinicke to prove that he's not a flash in the pan: "Health."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) June 7, 2021
Ken Zampese on the key for Taylor Heinicke: "Health."
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 7, 2021
That's it. Says he's shown the goods when he's played but staying on the field hasn't come easy.
Adding 15 pounds of muscle certainly helps. Team couldn't just assume he would become The Guy. But certainly will be interesting to see how he develops from here on out. Such a good story.
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 7, 2021
Backup QB:
Zampese is looking for consistency in the backup role. He wants a player they can trust to make all the throws exactly how they want them.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Travelle Wharton
Sam Cosmi:
Assistant O-Line coach Travelle Wharton is addressing the media. He said Sam Cosmi is strong and physical at the point of attack. You can see the intensity he plays with on every snap.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Wharton wants to help Cosmi go over all the details of the play. It's the little things like where his helmet and hands should be on a play and having a proper set against defensive linemen. Cosmi has a strong mentality that he's going to perfect those aspects, Wharton said.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Charles Leno:
Wharton said Charles Leno has been a great addition. He's been good for the entire group in explaining things to the younger players. He's been an extra set of eyes for them because he has so much experience. It's been a big asset to the position.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Washington assistant O-line coach Travelle Wharton on Charles Leno Jr.: "If you can veteran left tackle with a lot of experience, you got to have that in your locker room."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 7, 2021
Asst OL coach Travelle Wharton says new LT Charles Leno, Jr., has been a big asset with the young guys. Sees him often pointing out various clues to look for based on alignment, etc.
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 7, 2021
Saahdiq Charles
Saahdiq Charles is a tremendous athlete, Wharton said, and the game has started to slow down for him. He's been eager to be on the field.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Washington asst. OL coach Travelle Wharton on whether Saahdiq Charles is a better fit as as G or OT: "He can play both. He has the quickness to play on the outside and he has the strength to play on the inside. He's a big asset to us."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 7, 2021
Cornelius Lucas:
Cornelius Lucas emerged as a solid addition to Washington's O-Line. He consistently works, Wharton said, and he has the size and length to be successful.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Improving from last season:
Wharton wants to see the O-Line continue to build off the season it had in 2020. That includes continuing to avoid penalties and working to help each other get better.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Steve Russ
Jamin Davis:
Russ saw how passionate Davis was about football in meetings with him. He cared about the entire defense, not just about his assignments but also what his teammates are doing.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Davis has been spending time at the MIKE position. That was the position he played at Kentucky, and Russ thinks it's important to create some familiarity in a rookie's first season. But Russ sees him being able to play at all spots.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
#WFT LB Coach Steve Russ on Jamin Davis:
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) June 7, 2021
"His side and athleticism really jumped off the tape."
Says he had tremendous instincts in both run/pass. "Not a lot of leaky yards."
"You saw how bright he was."
Washington LBs coach Steve Russ on Jamin Davis: "One of the things I loved about Jamin in watching his film is I can see him playing anywhere, at all three linebacker spots."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 7, 2021
LBs coach Steve Russ just praised
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) June 7, 2021
Jamin Davis' preparation with, I think, the phrase "He won't look like he just fell off the turnip truck."
All in on the turnip truck.
Russ wants his LBs to play fast, and the requires them to be comfortable with what they're doing. That's what he wants Davis to do, but there will obviously be some mistakes. Russ knows that will happen, so he wants Davis to make mistakes going full speed so they can fix them.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Teaching all 3 LB roles:
Washington has been rotating its LBs a lot over the course of OTAs. It's Russ' job to develop depth, and he doesn't the SAM, MIKE and WILL spots differently. He wants all his players to learn those spots, and the best way to do that is expose them to it.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Sam Mills III
Focus on the details:
Sam Mills III is addressing the media. He wants his group to focus on the details. It's a young unit, Mills said, so there is still a lot of growth that needs to happen.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Matt Ioannidis:
Having Matt Ioannidis back helps the group tremendously, Mills said.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Reminder: Ioannidis was Washington's best interior pass-rusher in 2019.
Improvement:
Mills said Washington's run defense improved over the course of the year, but he wants them to get off to a better start in that area. That involves doing the right things earlier and building more consistency early.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Chris Harris
William Jackson III:
DBs coach Chris Harris is the final assistant coach to talk today. He thinks William Jackson has done a good job of picking up the scheme. He has really good size, length and feet for the corner position.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Kamren Curl:
Kamren Curl has a lot more confidence than in his rookie year, Harris said, and he has become a smarter football player.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021
Moving pieces in the secondary:
The secondary has a lot more pieces this offseason, and Harris said they're still figuring out what everyone's strengths and weaknesses are. That's what this time is for, and Harris intends to put guys in spots that will help the unit the most.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWFT) June 7, 2021