The Washington Football Team opens the preseason on Thursday against the New England Patriots. This will be a different New England team as the Patriots will feature former Carolina Panther legend Cam Newton under center.
Newton, of course, played nine seasons under Washington coach Ron Rivera when the two were in Carolina.
On Tuesday, Rivera spoke of going up against, arguably, the greatest coach in NFL history in New England coach Bill Belichick.
“The best thing about coach is there are no apologies for who he is,” Rivera said, per Darren Hartwell of NBC Sports Boston. “He’s true to himself. He’s true to form.”
“I do appreciate watching him and trying to understand the things that he does and watch what happens with his team. He had a dynasty basically, and now they’re rebuilding it, and it’s going to be fun to watch.”
Belichick, meanwhile, is looking forward to facing Washington.
“Obviously a good football team, well-coached,” Belichick said, per Ethan Cadeaux of NBC Sports Washington. “Coach Rivera always did a good job. He did a good job in Carolina and had some success last year in Washington. I think he does a great job having a good, sound fundamental team. They’re tough and physical. So, this is a good opportunity.”
Belichick would mention how his New England teams faced Rivera and the Panthers several times in the preseason. He noted why it was always good for his teams because Rivera’s squads are always prepared and fundamentally sound.
The respect between these two veteran coaches is real; otherwise, they wouldn’t continue to schedule the other in the preseason. Both coaches know the other will have their team well-prepared — even in the preseason.