Washington Redskins head coach Ron Rivera spoke to his team collectively last week for the first time since being hired. The Redskins, as well as every other NFL team, has been forced to be a Zoom video conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rivera has preached a change in culture and attitude for the Redskins. He wants his players to buy in to the ultimate goal of turning Washington into winners. He may have preferred his first meeting to do so be in person. However, it appears his goal was met — at least to punter Tress Way.
Way appeared on Redskins Talk, stating just how excited was after his first team meeting with Rivera.
No practices have occurred. Yet, Way is not alone in his excitement for Rivera and the Redskins’ new regime. There is a different atmosphere that goes beyond Bruce Allen and Jay Gruden no longer being with the franchise. The approach is expected to be different.
Redskins safety Landon Collins said the vibe already “feels different” due to the “much needed” coaching change. Way acknowledged Rivera’s objective for what is expected was clear and to the point.
“Now everybody knows the standard that is set,” Way said (h/t NBC Sports Washington). “And I’m telling you, in and out, this dude went through a few slides, there was no ifs, ands or buts. There was no confusion. You could not have misunderstood.”
Rivera is entering to head a team that has just two playoff appearances since 2008. He is looking to lift the dark cloud and circus atmosphere surrounding the franchise. His straightforward approach will be refreshing for a once storied franchise.
Neither Way nor Collins can speak for the entire team, but it appears Rivera’s new style is resonating.
