Tag: DL Coach Jeff Zgonina

Commanders DC Jack Del Rio appreciates his defensive linemen

Jack Del Rio was all smiles Wednesday when talking about his defensive linemen.

Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was generous with the compliments to his defensive line Wednesday when talking with the press.

Daron Payne: “He was a man on a mission throughout the off-season. It was tremendous, the way he approached it. Very much kept the team first. He’s been excellent.”

When asked about Payne getting ready for his first big contract, Del Rio humorously replied, “He got paid pretty good when he came out. I think he has handled it beautifully. He’s been all business from the get-go. I appreciate him as a man, as a player on our defense; I appreciate what he brings and how he goes about his business. We just want it to continue right now… He’s a younger player. He’s maturing and developing. I think he is a really good player. I’m glad we have him.”

Asked concerning Payne’s sack numbers being up this season, Del Rio noted,

“The thing that I’ve seen is that his ability to finish has been at a higher level. He has been disruptive the entire time. It was kind of one of those things where his numbers haven’t come yet; they’re starting to come. His disruption has always been there.”

Del Rio kindly challenged the suggestion that Payne’s numbers are up because of his playing time being increased. Del Rio pointed to the unit, playing within the scheme, helping all of them be productive.

“You have to look at the numbers to see if that would hold up. I’m not sure that would. I think he’s playing a lot which he always has. Obviously, the room has changed but I like the way the room has changed. We have a good group and they’re working hard every day. The guys have learned how to hunt together. Individual contractors have a hard time but when we work as a group, we all get to eat.”

What role and amount of playing time will there be for Chase Young?
“Right now we are just getting him into practice, getting him involved, trying to work up his conditioning, his comfort level, his trust and belief in his own body and how it is healed and ready to go. All of those things are underway. I know we aren’t going to play him 70 plays on day one, but we will move him in when we can and get him involved. I am excited to get him out there.”

Who the credit goes to for the defensive line performance?
“I’d credit the guys for deciding that it is important enough for them. [Defensive Line Coach Jeff Zgonina] Z obviously works with them every day, so you have to give him credit. I would give them credit, Z and the group for executing what we need them to do.”

Why have Payne, Allen and Sweat been given career-high snap percentages?
Del Rio simply smiled and replied, “We are better when they’re on the field?”

Del Rio let out a hearty laugh, concluding his press conference.

Commanders Del Rio: ‘We’re going to go in and compete’

Jack Del Rio understands the challenge ahead on Monday, but he embraces it and says Washington’s defense is ready.

In their first meeting this season, the Commanders lost to the Eagles 24-8. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio candidly offered to the press Friday, “Yeah, the scary part is we actually played pretty good. They’ve got a really good team. They’re rolling. They’re red hot.”

But Del Rio was quick to add, “We’re going to go in and compete. We got ourselves ready, got to meet a great challenge. We’ll show up and compete.”

“It’s a big task. They’ve got a great big offensive line. I think they’re very well-coached. They’ve got excellent backs, and then the quarterback’s a runner as well. So it’s a tough ground game to slow down.”

Eagles fans are loud and boisterous. In addition, it will be a MNF atmosphere.

“I love it. Love it. It’s a great atmosphere. I mean, It should be a very exciting game for us to be a part of on Monday night.”

“We’ve got to be able to slow down a very explosive offense. Their receivers are gifted, and the quarterback’s red hot. They’ve got the best offensive line going in the league. They’ve got capable backs, and the tight end is a really good player.”

Del Rio would love to get some turnovers on the Eagles. “It’s the most important stat in football, and there’s no secret that they’re on top of the league right now in that category and that directly leads to them being undefeated at this time.”

“I think all year I’ve been pleased with the effort, the energy, the commitment, the way we’re attacking things. You’re going to improve when you work at it like that. And we’re close to the halfway point, I guess and I like some things, there’s some things that we would need to do better, and we’re working at it, but I love, I absolutely love the commitment, the effort, the energy the guys put forth in terms of trying to understand the game plan which changes from time to time and for different opponents.”

Del Rio likes how his guys have really bought in this year.

“I’m glad to have the buy-in; it’s important. I think that’s the only way to get better and to attack things straightforward. Brutally honest but create an atmosphere that is fun to be around, and that’s what we look to do.”

Chase Young continues to work out and progress toward being reactivated.

“Well, his energy’s always great. He’s giving it everything he has, and when he is right, we’re going to play him, but until he is right, we’re not going to play him.”

Del Rio is quick to point out that his defensive line is leading the way.

(Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne) “they’re talented guys. They work hard, and have a great work ethic. I think they both love the game, love football. I think it helps to have players that love football and those two guys love it.”

“We talked about [Defensive Line Coach Jeff Zgonina] Z last week. I think he’s done a good job working with those guys (defensive line)”.

Commanders DC Jack Del Rio pleased with his defense

Jack Del Rio praised his defense and coaching staff, but understands the challenge Minnesota presents on Sunday.

Jack Del Rio knows this week’s opponent, the Minnesota Vikings, presents his defense with many challenges. Yet, he did offer plenty of praise for his defense as a whole Thursday when he met with the press.

Del Rio has employed a five-man front at times in several games this season.

“That was our approach based on last week’s opponent (Colts) and our game planning. Every week we try to put together a plan to stop the people that we’re going against and utilize those we have available. I thought the guys handled it well.”

The Vikings (6-1) winners of five straight certainly have offensive weapons that concern Del Rio. Regarding WR Justin Jefferson, “He has a lot of talent, size, speed, athletic ability, route running, hands. He’s a good player.”

“I think [Vikings HC] Kevin [O’Connell] has done a great job up there. Kirk’s a good player. He’s been a good player for a long time. The right head coach at the right time for Kirk and his career.  They can run it; they can throw it, the boot game, and play action games. It’s legit.”

Del Rio praised his defensive coaching staff.

“The position coaches are breaking down our next opponent already. So they’re working ahead in their respective areas. It’s the power of the staff, the group working on what is best, thoughts, ideas within our system. We like to bring a plan together and take it to the players.We’re still in the middle of it as we get this red zone and third down day in today, it’s a big day. It’s a lot of work.”

A position coach Del Rio singled out was DL coach Jeff Zgonina. “Well, Jeff has to get some credit. I mean the group’s responded well to him. We brought a young guy in that ended up playing. JR [Jon] Ridgeway. To bring him along and have him play as big impact as he did last week in the game, that’s gotta be a credit to the coach to get him ready.”

Del Rio a fine former linebacker himself, really likes his defensive line play.

“Big Jon [Allen] and Daron [Payne]  have been playing terrific and played very well in last week’s game. The entire group is prepared to understand what the responsibilities are and we’re working well together, playing with good efforts. We roll them all throughout the game.”

Ridgeway has shown Del Rio some promise to plug up the inside.
“That was big Phil’s [DT Phidarian Mathis] role until he got hurt. He [Ridgeway] stepped in; we were fortunate to be able to pick him up on waivers and added a guy that we liked in the draft coming out. He’s been a great addition for us.”

Del Rio named two defensive backs deserving praise last week. Kam Curl was given the green dot last week in the absence of Cole Holcomb. “He’s the guy we want to have on the field all the time. Also, Benjamin St- Juste, “He has done great; he’s matured. He’s been really good throughout the offseason. He’s very professional and working the right way, playing good football for us.”

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Commanders DL coach Jeff Zgonina: Sees big things ahead for Montez Sweat

Jeff Zgonina says Montez Sweat is playing well and is close to a major breakout.

Defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina is direct.

Meeting with the media Friday, Zgonina, was laser- focused, a man of a few words, ready to move to the next question.

Though the defensive line is already beat up, Zgonina didn’t back off.

“Next man up, that’s what it is. That’s why we practice through camp and everything. And we just prepare like we do all the time and we just keep plugging along.”

What about the running of Eagle Jalen Hurts?

“He’s a great talent. Gotta keep him contained.”

How hard is it to be disciplined against an elusive player like Hurts?

What, we’re not supposed to be disciplined? I don’t understand what you’re saying. We have a game plan installed and we’re gonna follow our game plan.”

Regarding tackle Daniel Wise?

“Well, he’s here cause he’s a good football player. I mean, that’s why we have him. We saw something in him. He does good things for us and that’s why he is here.”

What is the key to Daron Payne’s success?

“Daron is an exceptional athlete and a football player. I mean, he’s been building ever since I’ve been here. He’s been building and building and building and now it’s starting to show more. He’s a really good football player.”

“I thought he was doing good things last year. It’s not like he just, all of a sudden appeared. I mean, if you watch tape over the years, he’s been getting better and better. Getting older, getting a better understanding of the game. All his hard work is coming to fruition.”

How has Assistant DL Coach Ryan Kerrigan added to the coaching?
“Ryan brings a whole different set of eyes for me. I was a defensive tackle, he’s a defensive end. I think it’s a good combination we have in the room right now. He sees things differently than I did. I’m learning from him as he’s learning from me for the inside. So, everything’s been real smooth and it’s been a good relationship.”

Regarding DT John Ridgeway:

“I knew quite a bit because he is a rookie. So, we just had the Combine a few months ago and I spent some time with him there in the train station. Got to know him. He’s a big kid. He’s learning behind the rest of the guys. We got a bunch of new guys, but behind the guys that have been here of course. He is picking it up fast. He’s a smart kid, big body. I see him being good for us down the road. The more he learns the faster he’ll play. I’ve known him since the Combine.”

Concerning DE Montez Sweat:

“His play has been outstanding. He doesn’t have the numbers yet, but once he breaks through, I see a landslide. I think he works very hard. He’s a student of the game. He’s able to ask questions that’s how I know he’s studying. I know he’s into it. I mean, he has always been that way. And again, once it clicks, you know, he’ll start rolling.”

“He (Sweat) has not shown any frustration or pressing. He understands he’s doing some good things. He understands that it’s gonna come. He’s not at all and nor are we pressing him.”