Redskins defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio emphasizes communication

The Redskins made sweeping coaching changes, in hopes that such changes would provide a needed complexion change across the staff. So far, indications are promising on that front.

Yesterday, the Washington Redskins two new high-level coordinators, offensive coordinator Scott Turner and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, spoke with members of the local media on a conference call. In that call, Turner and Del Rio both shed light on their distinct philosophies, and both left media and fans with a sense of newfound optimism, under the oversight of Ron Rivera.

Turner was the first to speak, and he touched on his excitement to work with first-round quarterback Dwayne Haskins, stating that his plan for developing Haskins, which he presented to Ron Rivera in his interview, was a big reason why he got the Redskins offensive coordinator job. Turner was very business-oriented in the quotes provided, as was defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio.

Del Rio, in his media session, quickly and fervently emphasized communication as a key point for the Redskins defense to improve upon. Del Rio is documented as saying the following about the team’s communication in 2019, per the Redskins official website:

“There are countless examples of right before the snap where players are not in a good position — knees bent, focus on the offense. The communication, the urgency in getting to the line, the urgency in getting the calls and communicating to each other — there was an issue there. [The offense is] giving us clues and we don’t even have time to look for those clues if we don’t know what we’re doing to begin with. The urgency in that pre-snap portion of the game, that’s huge for me.”

This is obviously not only an indictment of Greg Manusky, whose defenses frequently saw these communication issues arise, but also of the personnel, and its inability to develop past these flaws. He didn’t go as far as finger-pointing, however, and in fact seemed to extend an opportunity for current Redskins defenders to turn a new leaf under the new staff, per NBC Sports’ Pete Hailey.

“For us, we are going to look to teach and develop. To me, we have players here that are maybe considered in a specific light, and they will have a chance to change that.”

This quote leads us to believe that Del Rio might be willing to undertake various projects on the Redskins defense, such as Montae Nicholson, Fabian Moreau, and others. Del Rio espoused his belief in fundamentals as the most important factor on defense, citing Titans starting linebacker Wesley Woodyward as a sample success story; Del Rio coached Woodyard up from a special teamer to a starter by instilling a heightened focus on fundamentals. He appears to be eager to do this in Washington.

All that said, Del Rio wasn’t interested in talking about the Redskins potential on defense, something fans have been bristling to boast about for offseasons on end. Del Rio is more focused on turning that potential into reality through schematic nous, communication, and fundamental training, and on Rivera’s staff, it seems as though he’ll have that chance.