Tag: Jack Del Rio

Washington’s success hinges on the ability to pressure Joe Burrow this weekend

Washington ranks 5th in the NFL in total sacks, while Joe Burrow has been sacked the second-most of any QB this year. That’s a recipe for success.

If we are still operating under the assumption that the Washington Football Team needs to win every game they can in order to inch closer to the division lead in the NFC East, then this weekend’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals is absolutely crucial for Ron Rivera.

More importantly, it becomes crucial for defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and his defense, who will need to step up in a major way to help out the team, shutting down Bengals’ young star QB Joe Burrow and making life easy on the offense. In order for them to do this, the biggest key will be for the defensive line to get pressure on Burrow, and take away his comfortability in the pocket.

For Washington, rushing the passer has been a bit up and down so far this season. They rank 5th in the NFL with 28 sacks on the season, but a lot of their success has come against NFC East teams, with 19 of those sacks coming against the Eagles, Cowboys, and Giants in the span of three games. Outside of that, Washington has struggled to get a presence in the opposing backfield, though they are getting better as the season goes on.

“For us, it’s just to build on the start that we had to the season,” Del Rio said, via WashingtonFootball.com. “We’re looking to continually improve. We established high standards. Our expectations are very high. We’re going to keep pushing for that. …We’re seeking to be better, and we should be better as the year goes on.”

In order to make sure they can grab a win on Sunday and improve to 3-7, getting Burrow to the ground will be the number one goal. The Bengals have allowed the second-most sacks in the NFL this season, and watching Burrow try to evade pressure has become a Sunday afternoon ritual at this point.

It needs to stay that way this weekend, or Washington may need to pull the plug on this race to the playoffs ideology. Who knows, that could be a good thing as well.

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Washington used ‘Turnover Thursday’ to prepare for Daniel Jones

Washington is making it known that they’re preparing to take advantage of a turnover-happy Daniel Jones ahead of this NFC East rematch.

Any defense at any level of football is likely familiar with the idea of focusing on picking up turnovers through a part of practice, but it usually goes without being said.

What’s funny about Washington’s matchup against the New York Giants this week is the home team’s willingness to stress that they are out for blood against QB Daniel Jones, a turnover-happy young player who currently has nine interceptions and four fumbles lost through eight games this season.

​“Obviously, we always are stressing turnovers,” Del Rio said, via NBC Sports Washington. “Today is ‘Turnover Thursday,’ so a big point of emphasis piece on Thursday.”

In his career, Jones has 21 career interceptions and 23 fumbles, so it’s not like his turnover woes are something new. Going into this game where they are obviously looking for revenge, Washington knows that they are going to take advantage of the mishaps that are sprinkled on top of what usually is a pretty encouraging performance from Jones.

“Look, what we recognize is he’s got the ability to make all the throws,” Del Rio said. “He’s got the ability to run the football as well, which we saw in the first game. To me, we’ve got to look at playing him at his best. We’re preparing accordingly. We recognize the talent level and the skill level. They’ve got a lot of weapons we’ve got to worry about besides the quarterback, but certainly he’s got a lot of tools.”

What’s comical about the situation is the statement of the obvious. Every defense goes into the weekend’s matchup doing everything they can to prepare for turnovers and do what they can to capitalize on mistakes. Washington has made a point of making it public knowledge that they know Jones is prone to cough up the ball, and they are fine with twisting that knife. There is no love lost in this NFC East rivalry, and Washington is out for revenge this weekend.

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‘He’s battling right now:’ Ron Rivera continues to coach through cancer treatment

Rivera left after practice on Thursday and had Del Rio speak to the media, who said that the HC is battling with treatment.

Washington head coach Ron Rivera missed Wednesday’s practice to receive treatment for his lymph node cancer, which was diagnosed right before the season. On Thursday, he was at practice, but left shortly after, leaving DC Jack Del Rio to speak to the media in his absence.

According to Del Rio, who has been filling in as the head man when Rivera is absent, the HC is battling right now, and not feeling very well because of it.

“He’s tough as can be and doing what he can,” Del Rio said. “And as coaches and players, we have to do everything we can to carry on the message.”

As the season goes on, Rivera’s well-being will be something to watch, as he continues his fight against cancer, while also working to get his team ready each and every week.

We’re supporting you every step of the way, coach. Keep fighting, and let your guys pick up the slack when you need them to.

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Will Washington break out the all-white jersey combination against Arizona?

A return to the all-white jersey combination was hinted at this offseason in Washington, and Week 2 against Arizona is a perfect opportunity.

Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was unable to keep his word on an all-white jersey combination for Washington in Week 1 of the 2020 season, but it was a lofty call in the first place, considering the team was at home and likely to wear the burgundy tops.

What about for Week 2 in Arizona, though? Washington will already be wearing their white tops on the road, so why not complete the ensemble with some clean white pants as well?

A growing buzz for both a new team name and new uniforms has been prevalent among Washington fans online, and when Del Rio made mention of the all-white combo this offseason, the fanbase went crazy. Coming off of an impressive win with the nation watching during a marquee afternoon game, what better time for Washington to break out the crispy whites?

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Report: Ron Rivera got IV at halftime so he could keep coaching

Ron Rivera is undergoing cancer treatment, The coach wanted to continue Sunday so he had a planned IV at halftime.

All the inspiration Washington needed Sunday came from its coach.

Ron Rivera is undergoing treatment for cancer. The coach had a planned IV at half of the team’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday.

Rivera had the IV so he could continue coaching. Washington may not have used it as inspiration but who is going to argue if you want to believe it did.

Washington fell behind 17-0, scored a TD with less than a minute left before the half and added 20 more after the break to down its NFC East rivals, 27-17.

Ron Rivera misses first practice due to cancer treatment

Ron Rivera had his first treatment for lymph node cancer on Tuesday, and the team is led by DC Jack Del Rio in his absence.

Ever since Washington head coach Ron Rivera announced that he had squamous cell carcinoma, a ‘very treatable and curable’ form of lymph node cancer, we knew that it would at some point have an effect on his ability to coach the team.

The first we’re seeing of that came on Tuesday, with Rivera missing the early portion of practice, at the very least, due to his first treatment for the cancer. In his place, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio is stepping up as the head coach, as was planned, and running the team through their first game-week prep of the new season.

This is not a new role for Del Rio, as The Washington Post’s Nicki Jhabvala noted. Back in 2013, Del Rio played a similar role with the Denver Broncos when HC John Fox underwent heart surgery and was forced to miss four weeks of the years.

All of this is according to the plan that Rivera and his team set upon knowledge of the diagnosis, but it’s now officially in effect. All the best to Coach Rivera as he tackles this treatment head-on.

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Jack Del Rio addresses his use of Twitter, support for open conversations

Jack Del Rio is not afraid to speak his mind on social media, and he addressed that on Monday, saying he encourages the conversation.

There was a brief period of time earlier this offseason when Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio fired off a series of controversial tweets on social media, but it blew over quickly.

In an interview with The Athletic‘s Ben Standig on Monday, Del Rio talked about using social media, and why it’s important to him to have the ability to get his voice out there.

“I am open to discuss at any time with anyone my thoughts and respectfully have exchanges,” Del Rio said. “It’s just not always possible in today’s environment. I think it’s important to be able to have your own opinion and respect for each other.”

Del Rio’s comments earlier this offseason rubbed a number of people the wrong way, as he proclaimed his support for President Trump and had a message for anyone who wasn’t “with America.”

“People may have an opinion that is different than mine, which is okay,” Del Rio said. “I’m okay with actually having a conversation about it with anyone, including my players.”

With a litany of different opinions in an NFL locker room, I’m sure that Del Rio will continue to encourage these conversations as our world continues to figure things out going forward. Having a strong voice who is supportive of open dialogues is always a good thing for players in their formative years, and it will surely help the culture in Washington.

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Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio shocks with Trump-flavored tweet

Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio stunned on Twitter with a Trump-flavored tweet.

Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio came out swinging Tuesday night on Twitter.

The former head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders made clear his feelings on the United States of America in a tweet.

This evoked a response from another coach, basketball’s George Karl.

 

Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio named to College Football HOF ballot

Though known for their coaching prowess in the NFL, both Rivera and Del Rio have been put on the ballot for the College Football HOF.

While Washington Redskins’ head coach Ron Rivera, and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio have been putting in the work this offseason to ensure that they have much to celebrate in the years ahead, they were briefly celebrated earlier this week when both were named to the College Football Hall of Fame ballot.

According to Redskins.com, they were both officially recognized for their successes and listed as two of 78 FBS players on this year’s ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame.

Back in the early 1980s, Rivera was a linebacker for the University of California Golden Bears, and he was a first-team All-American and Lombardi Award finalist. During the same time, Del Rio played for the USC Trojans, where he led his team in tackles for three straight years and won the 1985 Rose Bowl.

Now that their playing careers are over, and the former college rivals have teamed up to try and find more success in the NFL, taking a moment to acknowledge their past success items appropriate for a brief moment. They would obviously love to get back to work, and once they do, I’m sure they will find more things to celebrate down the road.

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