clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Ron Rivera: Sammis Reyes might be our most physical TE; Like to see Jaret Patterson return kicks

Ron Rivera speaks to the media

NFL: Washington Football Team at New England Patriots Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Football Team Head Coach Ron Rivera spoke with reporters again this morning. The good news is that he didn't have any major injury news to share. He did point out that he didn't talk with Head Trainer Ryan Vermillion yet, but it looks like the team returned from New England healthy.

Rivera continues to like the development of TE1 Logan Thomas. He is comfortable in the position, and the team can expand his responsibilities. Rivera liked what he saw from rookie John Bates, but there is work to be done. Sammis Reyes could be the team's most physical TE. He does need to work on catching the ball cleaner after bobbling both his catches last night.

The team will continue to look at different players in the return game. Rivera has a lot of faith in Danny Johnson returning kicks, but liked what he sees from DeAndre Carter too. The team would also like to see last night's offensive player of the game, RB Jaret Patterson, get a look at returning the ball.

Don't expect to see competition at a position fans have been calling for for a few years. Dustin Hopkins missed two kicks vs the Patriots, but Ron Rivera pointed out that the team has a new LS in 6th round pick Camaron Cheeseman, the timing is off right now between him, Hopkins, and Tress Way. Rivera liked his snaps, but did say he snaps a hard ball, and there is an adjustment to a new snapper. Cheeseman's snaps looked slightly off last night, but Hopkins needs to be better as well.

Rivera spoke highly of a lot of the rookies who saw a lot of time in their first preseason game. Sam Cosmi was the highest-rated rookie for Washington per PFF. Rivera liked his hand placement, and feet movement, but there were areas he can improve on.

Jamin Davis is thinking too much right now, and just needs to play fast. Rivera likes to say that players need 5,000 reps, the 1st round rookie still has a while to go before the game starts slowing down. Rivera also mentioned conditioning issues for rookies Shaka Toney and William Bradley-King. They need to not go crazy the first time they get in, and learn to use their energy wisely. He did like that they wanted to stay in even though they were gassed.

Daron Payne had a chance for a fumble recovery on a Chase Young hit that was eventually ruled an incomplete pass. Rivera said the team practices takeaways daily and they use the phrase city and country. If you're in the city(tight space, lots of people around) just fall on the ball. If you're in the country(wide open space), try to scoop and score. The other players were having fun with Payne when he got back to the sidelines, asking him what he was doing, he was in the subway. This will definitely be something that gets brought up in practice this week.

No injuries vs Patriots:

Logan Thomas:

John Bates:

Sammis Reyes:

Kick returners:

Jaret Patterson:

Sam Cosmi:

Steven Montez:

Rookie conditioning:

Jamin Davis:

Kicking issues:

Daron Payne: