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Jack Del Rio met with the media Thursday, and he never took any of the bait.
Time after time, the Commanders’ defensive coordinator was asked questions that were specific in nature. Time after time, Del Rio responded in a manner that was not unkind or rude, yet, managed to effectively not convey more than he felt he should.
It may be overlooked, but Del Rio is quite experienced with interaction with the local media. The former USC Trojan played both football and baseball at USC. He then started at linebacker for the New Orleans Saints (1985-87), Dallas Cowboys (1989-91) and Minnesota Vikings (1992-95).
Following his retirement as a player, Del Rio served on staff for the Saints and Ravens (linebackers). After being a defensive coordinator for the Panthers, Del Rio was named head coach of the Jaguars, where he served nine seasons.
Next came the Broncos (defensive coordinator for three seasons), then the Raiders (head coach for three seasons), and here in Washington.
He’s not mean; he’s simply skillful at being measured. He is not going to give you anything he doesn’t feel he should. He even joked around Thursday when asked about working now with Eric Bieniemy, “It’s been good. I wish he would express himself a little bit, come out of his shell. Nah, he’s great. He has a lot of energy. He’s bringing an accountability to the unit.”
When asked about Ron Rivera? “Ron’s been great. With me for four years, it hasn’t changed a great deal. He lets us (coaches) share when we want to and, for the most part, lets us do our thing.”
Regarding the Chase Young and Montez Sweat questions that were raised? Del Rio was not biting, stating simply it is voluntary this time of year, but he did offer he appreciates all of the guys who did choose to come and put in some work for the team.
It was classic Del Rio: “Don’t say what you shouldn’t and still manage to praise the guys who did “volunteer” to come and put in some work.”
When pressed/asked further about Young and Sweat, he simply offered that Young, when coming in, could put in the work and that Sweat could learn to finish better (words he spoke of Daron Payne last offseason). Del Rio then declared it would add zeros to Sweat’s paycheck.
He did offer perhaps only one surprising element when he volunteered that linebacker Khaleke Hudson had a good final 2022 game, gained some confidence, and has looked good in the offseason.