In the era of social distancing, one of the Washington Redskins’ biggest free-agent signings — linebacker Thomas Davis — hopped on a conference all to talk with media members who cover the team. For many, it was their first chance to speak with Davis, who is a veteran leader who has played for several years with head coach Ron Rivera.
In the talk, Davis discussed why he chose to sign with the Redskins, what he believes they can do in the upcoming seasons, and what it will take for the team to finally find some success. He also delved into his thoughts on the CBA that was approved this past month, and how he’s staying fit to play this offseason. Here are some of the best quotes from the call.
Thomas Davis says "first and foremost" reason to sign with Redskins was Ron Rivera. But he adds the "pieces are in place" for the Redskins defense to "wreck the game"
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) March 31, 2020
Thomas Davis says Josh Norman "didnt have a particularly impressive season" last year and he expects the Redskins secondary to be much better this year. Davis says he's good friends with Norman too.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) March 31, 2020
Thomas Davis on conf call: "You look at all these guys and you feel they have the makings of becoming a really good team. They just need the right leadership."
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 31, 2020
I asked Thomas Davis how the #Redskins start playing up to their potential. His answer: "You start to create your identity" in practice. That's something they did in Carolina under Ron and something they need to start doing here
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) March 31, 2020
New LB Thomas Davis on a conference call with local reporters. Asked about playing under Rivera vs. other coaches.
"He's a guy that played the game. … Understand it's not about tearing guys down but lifting them up."
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 31, 2020
Key phrase from Thomas Davis: getting guys to buy in.
I dont think that's an accident, and I dont think he was told to say it. I think thats why he's here above anything else.— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) March 31, 2020
New Redskins linebacker Thomas Davis on a conference call with DC media saying he thinks this team is much more talented than Ron Rivera's first Carolina team in 2011. "There are great players on this team." Says it just needs to be coached to reach its potential.
— Les Carpenter (@Lescarpenter) March 31, 2020
Thomas Davis said he voted "yes" with the CBA. As a guy who's been around, he said the positives for younger players in the agreement swayed him.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 31, 2020
Redskins new LB Thomas Davis talks to the media. This guy is exactly what HC Rivera wants. Leadership, Hard worker, Smart. “I’ll do whatever is asked of me. Mentoring young players, leading by example — if I’m asked to play a lot, I’ll make sure my body is ready to go.” #httr
— Julie Donaldson (@JDonaldsonNBCS) March 31, 2020
More Davis: "You look at the front four these guys have assembled… I look at the top six or eight guys; they're all capable of wrecking the game. As a linebacker you want to play behind guys capable of doing that."
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 31, 2020
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