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Washington Football Team is converting positive culture into team identity

By Tim Meek

Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera (left) greets his players before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera (left) greets his players before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team inside linebacker Jon Bostic (53) and defensive end Chase Young (99) react to an interception by Bostic against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Washington won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team inside linebacker Jon Bostic (53) and defensive end Chase Young (99) react to an interception by Bostic against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Washington won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

On-field changes

Not only are we seeing a culture change organizationally, but most importantly we’re seeing it on the field. As I watch this organization now, I see a team of players who are buying into a process that Coach Rivera laid out in camp.

I see a highly touted rookie player like Chase Young who could’ve easily come in here with an ego and an attitude, but instead has become the most vocal leader of the defense. Against the Steelers, Cam Sims made a one-handed grab that made every highlight reel of the week.  But what got me excited was watching Chase Young SPRINT 40-yards down the sideline to congratulate him after the catch.

Alex Smith praised Young at the podium on Wednesday, he said “I’ve never seen a guy roam the sidelines while we’re on offense” and added, “it’s crazy unusual for a rookie to be a leader.”  He said his leadership is “genuine”.  Pretty high praise from one of the most respected veterans in the NFL.

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While Young is the headliner, it’s evident the WFT has made an effort to add a certain type of player whether it be the draft or free agency. By now, we all know the gem Terry McLaurin has become.  Sure, he produces at a ridiculous level on the field.  But it’s his intangibles that separate him.

You win with guys like Terry.   His college coach Urban Myer said Terry is one his favorite player he’s ever coached.  He does everything asked of him and he’s always working on something to get better.

The greatest praise he could give was to call him the best teammate you can have.  All of this has become evident to us in Washington as he’s already reached legendary status among fans and more importantly, this quiet assassin has gained the respect of his teammates by being voted a team captain.

Now as we look at a roster we see a foundation in place featuring certain types of players.  We see first-round talents like Young, Payne, Allen & Sweat.  We see mid-rounders like Gibson and McLaurin.  They are finding gems in the later rounds like Curl, Holcomb, Ioannidis and Moreland.

But they all fit a profile.  These guys are all team-first guys.  These are hard-working blue-collar guys.  A lot of them played special teams in college.  Brian Mitchell said playing special teams brings with it a toughness, and we see that with these guys.

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