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Ron Rivera spoke to the media today due to this week’s playoff game on Saturday night. He opened the presser with very big news. The team may need to rotate at the starting quarterback Alex Smith with substitute Taylor Heinicke. Smith is still struggling with a calf strain that caused him to miss 2 and a half games. Smith played last week, but wasn’t very mobile and looked limited. Heinicke was seen warming up on the sidelines, and Rivera said he was considering bringing him in, but Smith was able to finish the whole game and secure the victory.
The Washington football team will have to assess Smith’s injury again this week and see if he can start, then watch him during the game if he’s struggling. They will have Heinicke ready to play, as well as Steven Montez available as 3rd QB on game day. Rivera also mentioned the aggressive defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when talking about the QB’s rotation.
Rotation of Alex Smith and Taylor Heinicke:
Ron Rivera says Washington should consider turning QBs Alex Smith and Taylor Heinicke against Tampa. “This is something we must seriously consider”
– JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) January 5, 2021
If Alex Smith’s calf tightens in a game, Rivera said the team can do a few things to alleviate that. But they’ll also have to consider running it with Taylor Heinicke.
– Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) January 5, 2021
To be clear, Rivera said Washington isn’t necessarily going to turn to Smith and Heinicke; he said it was something they would think about. But anyway, he wouldn’t have a problem with that as the game plan will be the same regardless of the QB.
– Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) January 5, 2021
Defense of the buccaneers:
Ron Rivera: “We’re going to be playing a very aggressive defense this week.”
– Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) January 5, 2021
Ron Rivera said the success of the Bucs’ defensive line (4th in the NFL with 48 sacks) would not directly affect @WashingtonNFLQB decision.
“We have to play the guy who gives us the best chance of winning.”
– Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) January 5, 2021
7-9 playoffs:
Rivera reiterated that he was not going to apologize for entering the playoffs with a record below .500. Washington won the division and part of their job is to make sure their players have the belief that they can win in the first round.
– Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) January 5, 2021
Panthers 2014:
Ron Rivera on if @WashingtonNFLPlayers have heard of the 2014 Panthers, who won a playoff game with a losing record.
“I hope they did, because I mentioned it.”
– Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) January 5, 2021
Play against future Hall of Famers:
Rivera loves that some of his young players have grown up admiring some of the greats like Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger. They want to be like them, and he doesn’t see anything wrong with being excited about seeing them and wanting to play against them.
– Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) January 5, 2021
Ron Rivera understands that his young players idolize players like Tom Brady. “Who wouldn’t want to be like Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger? These guys are champions.”
Rivera admitted that he also has a fan boy in him. Mentioned Joe Montana and Brett Favre.
– Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) January 5, 2021
Tom Brady:
Ron Rivera on Tom Brady “I didn’t know he was 43 because … he throws the ball like he’s 23.”
“He might be that age, but he certainly doesn’t play like that.” Also mentioned how he spreads the ball.
– Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) January 5, 2021
Alex Smith:
Ron Rivera on Alex Smith’s move against the Eagles: “I thought he had his moments.”
Highlighting of the first trip and the trip before half-time. Both ended in touchdowns.
– Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) January 5, 2021
Rivera on Smith’s move against Eagles: “I thought he had his moments. That first practice was what we were looking for. … As long as he plays and does things to help us, we’ll keep rolling.” Https: //t.co/0Lt5m1XLiz
– Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) January 5, 2021
Jack Del Rio:
Ron on Jack Del Rio: “When he walks into a room, he has instant credibility.” He even brought up RPG’s Twitter and how some early-season posts rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, but said Jack “is who he is” and that he wouldn’t back down.
– Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) January 5, 2021
Turnover:
Rivera: I strongly believe in take out.
Rivera mentioned that when he was in Carolina and won the takeaway battle, they won 90% of their matches.
Forcing player turnover is something he and the coaches have focused on players all year long.
– Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) January 5, 2021
Offensive line:
Rivera has now signed four of five offensive linemen. And that makes it easier for the team, said Rivera, turning to free will and the draft. It creates something positive as the team look to build during the offseason.
– Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) January 5, 2021
Women in the NFL:
Ron Rivera was asked about @ JenniferKing5, which will be part of the first NFL playoff game to feature female coaches from both sides. Rivera explained how King ‘won’ the job, then spoke about the all-black referee team at WAS @ PHI:
Check this out: pic.twitter.com/Ye5ZyOpWcW
– Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) January 5, 2021
Saturday’s game will be the first time female coaches have been on both sides in a playoff game. Rivera believes it will show young women that they can achieve this and that it is possible for women to have a career in the NFL.
– Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) January 5, 2021
Ron Rivera appeared on the Rich Eisen Show and here are some excerpts from the interview:
Alex Smith:
Chase Young:
Eagles changing from QB:
Full maintenance:
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