If you were to talk about coaches in Washington who might have to deal with some micro-management, Steve Russ would be near the top of the list. None of that is to say that he is in need of help coaching the linebackers, where he will be starting this season, but when you consider the fact that both head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio played linebacker at a high level in the NFL, it would be understandable for them to give their input.
When talking to the media on Tuesday, Russ addressed that relationship that he has with both coaches, and details what he has seen from the group of players that he’s been with for the past week in training camp, while also giving an update on Reuben Foster and his progress. Here are some of the best quotes from that talk:
Russ said Rivera is "one of the finest leaders of men that I've been around." He's relatable, real and genuine. What Rivera says, he means, and players can sense that.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 4, 2020
"This is the right guy for the job, there's no doubt that." LB coach Steve Russ on coach Ron Rivera.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
"I wanted to be here because I wanted to continue to coach with coach Rivera, and learn from him." LB coach Steve Russ also said he's excited about working with defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
LB coach Steve Russ also added that he likes to fix things. And feels this team is on the precipice
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Washington LB coach Steve Russ says he hasn't worked with Ryan Anderson, and Anderson has mostly worked on the defensive line. Anderson was seen as a tweener between LB/DL.
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) August 4, 2020
Russ said he feels there will be plenty of competition at the linebacker position. He has a bunch of guys who love football. He likes how they're hungry and their intent to be great.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 4, 2020
"We can be demanding without being demeaning." LB coach Steve Russ, who played for Air Force and was in the service, said of what he and coach Ron Rivera are bringing with their military background. Said the word discipline gets a negative rap.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
LB coach Steve Russ says he interacts with LB Reuben Foster, who's on the PUP list, as if he's going to be out there. He said Foster is treating it that way, too.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Steve Russ wants to get Reuben Foster ready mentally and physically. He said when they were out there today, Foster was mentally putting himself out there. He says when they're on Zoom, Foster will put him on mute and he'll map out what's supposed to be happening on the play.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
More on Foster: he often takes mental reps and even makes all the calls even when Russ doesn't call on him. Foster will put himself on mute and make all the hand motions to go with the calls.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 4, 2020
Russ can "see the raw talent" in Cole Holcomb. He can see the talent on film. He's one of those football junkies, Russ said, which are the types of players he loves to be around. There are some things that Russ wants to clean up, but he and Holcomb are eager to fix them.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 4, 2020
Steve Russ played with @SteveAtwater27 in Denver and regarded him as the best player leader he had ever been around.
"When I started coaching @ThomasDavisSDTM, I said to myself, 'Wow, he's better than Steve.' And that's no knock on Steve. That's just how exceptional Thomas is."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 4, 2020
Russ said rookie Khaleke Hudson has been great so far. He's willing to learn from veterans, which Russ said is important for young players.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 4, 2020
Steve Russ says that neither coach Ron Rivera or defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio poke their nose in the LB room more than other rooms. They let him do his thing. Obviously, they played LB at a high level, so it would make sense if they did.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Russ said LB Cole Holcomb is a “very raw player”. Said he’s working on the rough edges (key reads; initial footwork) all stuff that Holcomb knew needed work. Calls Holcomb a film junkie (talked to him about this last year; he watches a ton. So does Bostic/Davis).
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 4, 2020
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