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Five biggest storylines to watch during Washington Football Team’s training camp

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Football Team walks off the field after the New York Jets defeated the Redskins 34-17 at FedExField on November 17, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Football Team walks off the field after the New York Jets defeated the Redskins 34-17 at FedExField on November 17, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Football Team interviews during the second day of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Football Team interviews during the second day of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

1. How Ron Rivera handles his new team

Last season, Washington was entering training camp with a lame-duck head coach who easily could’ve been fired the previous offseason. The results were disastrous with Gruden lasting all of five games before getting the ax.

This year, Washington enters camp with a new hope. Ron Rivera.

The former Panthers head coach is coming off a nine-year stint in the NFC South that saw him routinely have the Panthers compete for playoff spots before Cam Newton‘s injuries derailed his final two seasons. Now in Washington, Rivera is looking to build a culture, find contributors, and orchestrate a proper rebuild for a team that so desperately needs one.

Though Rivera’s resume is a strong one from him 2015 Super Bowl appearance to his credentials as a coach who can get the most of his players, his first year in Washington still bears watching. The team is going through turmoil amid the name change and the sexual harassment allegations levied against front office officials that caused the departure of numerous front office members. Because of this, there will be distractions for the players and coaches.

But Rivera will be focused on keeping his team focused. And his No. 1 concern will be instituting the proper culture and getting the team to play hard.

In essence, the wins and losses in a rebuilding year don’t matter all too much. Though that may draw the ire of some fans, it’s the truth. What matters most about this season is how Rivera handles the team and whether or not he can get them pointed in the right direction.

Next. Tight ends Washington could trade for. dark

Building a proper team environment starts now. With training camp here, Rivera will be ready to lead Washington. It will surely be interesting to see how he handles the team and how well he leads them through a difficult time in the organization’s history.

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