With another day of training camp in the books and another day on the horizon, we got the chance to hear from Washington head coach Ron Rivera on Tuesday morning as he sat down with media members to discuss what he’s seen so far from the team, and what he expects to see going forward.
Now that we’re about a week into all of this, Rivera rightfully gave us an update on several position battle throughout the roster, as well as delving into the development of both Alex Smith and Dwayne Haskins. Here are the best quotes from his talk with the media.
Ron Rivera said Saahdiq Charles has looked good so far. Big, athletic, raw, and said if he can learn the language and techniques, they think they'll have a really good football player.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Ron Rivera said that how much no offseason hurts a rookie OL depends on what they do to get themselves ready. Saahdiq Charles went out and sought the advice of another player.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
I asked Ron Rivera about Saahdiq Charles and it sounds like the biggest hurdle is learning the offense and the language. Rivera also brought up Geron Christian as impressive so far
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 4, 2020
I liked the question by @InstantRHIplay, asking Ron if there's competition elsewhere on the O-line besides LT and LG. Ron, who LOVES BATTLING, said he's a fan of what he has at C, RG and RT and doesn't envision much change there
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) August 4, 2020
Ron Rivera says he's "pleasantly surprised" to see how far along Alex Smith is in his recovery. "He's looked very fluid, he really has."
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 4, 2020
Ron Rivera said he's off on the side working with the trainer trying to mirror what the QBs are doing on the field. He's very pleased with how hard he's worked to be at this point.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Ron Rivera, when asked about what happened to Eagles coach Doug Pederson, said they have a contingency plan. Talked about it two weeks ago. They have assistant coaches in place, and he said his coaches have to release they maybe asked to step at a moment's notice.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Ron Rivera says it's helpful to have the opt out deadline. "It's a very serious situation" and Rivera adds he wont judge any player for the decision they make
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 4, 2020
Ron Rivera discussing the opt out, said he had a convo with Josh Harvey-Clemons about his decision to opt out. It was heartfelt, not easy, and Rivera said he told him he respects his decision and who is he to judge someone's reason.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Ron Rivera "can envision" Alex Smith participating in the QB competition during training camp. Mentioned being able to show he can hand the ball off, protect himself, move.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Ron Rivera said Brandon Scherff has been "darn good" and "as good as advertised." They have extra time to get to know him, work out something long-term.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Ron Rivera on Dwayne Haskins – He's done a great job of studying and getting ready. He's done the things that puts him right there where he needs to be.
(Still Haskins' job to me)— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 4, 2020
Head Coach Ron Rivera — Dwayne is not far behind Kyle Allen on learning the system. Says he has done what Coach has asked of him this off-season. Deserves recognition for that. #washingtonfootballteam #nfl
— Julie Donaldson (@juliedonaldson_) August 4, 2020
Rivera says the workouts for the Washington Football Team right now are closest to OTAs. Actual training camp is still a few weeks away
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 4, 2020
Ron Rivera, who is known for playing his rookies, said he's not counting them out. He wants to see them in pads. He wants to see how they handle the mental demands of the job.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Ron Rivera likes Ronald Darby's explosiveness and ability to attack the ball. Said sometimes he does get caught with eyes in the backfield and needs to be more disciplined. He doesn't see any deterioration in his skill set.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020
Ron Rivera said instead of giving Antonio Gibson the entire list of what he has to do, they're giving him the plays he has to focus on between RB and WR. They don't want to overwhelm him, and they'll add more as time moves on.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 4, 2020