Top quotes from QB coach Ken Zampese’s talk at 2020 training camp

One of the best things about training camp getting going in the NFL is the chance to hear from some of the people and coaches who haven’t been in the spotlight over the past several months.

One of those people is the new QB coach in Washington, Ken Zampese, who was hired to work under Ron Rivera and oversee the development of both Dwayne Haskins and Kyle Allen. When talking to media members on Thursday, Zampese discussed his transition into the new role, as well as what he expects to see from Haskins and the rest of the team going forward. Here are the best quotes and comments from the conversation.

Zampese said the biggest thing that sticks out about Alex Smith is his willingness to learn. Smith is a great example for the other guys, Zampese said, and their interaction has been fantastic.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) July 30, 2020

QB coach Ken Zampese said that the identity he's bringing to the team is an "attack mentality," but says they can't be silly with it. They want to go after the big plays with low turnovers.

— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) July 30, 2020

Ken Zampese said Dwayne Haskins has done everything he can do in his control — losing weight, working out, etc. Now, comes the second part. Zampese said Kyle Allen also lost some weight and looks like he can roll.

— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) July 30, 2020

Ken Zampese said that they've been quizzing Dwayne Haskins and Steven Montez on learning the language, because they're the only ones without familiarity with it. Wants them to be able to understand it effortlessly.

— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) July 30, 2020

Washington QB Coach Ken Zampese says the two most important things he needs to see from Dwayne Haskins are memorization of the playbook and learning the language of the offense.

"It's certainly like learning a foreign language."

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) July 30, 2020

Zampese said he would like to see Dwayne speak the language of the playbook fluently. The physical things will be easier to pick up. The hard part, he said, will be understanding how and why throws and plays unfold in certain ways.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) July 30, 2020

Memorization of the playbook, speaking the language fluently, the philosophy of the play, grouping reads, knowing where the coaches want the ball to go, are what Ken Zampese wants to see from Dwayne Haskins in particular. He can't wait to see the wheels turn quickly.

— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) July 30, 2020

"There's a mentality that we play with, and it's a no-excuse mentality." Ken Zampese says that's what he's impressed on the QBs

— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) July 30, 2020

Ken Zampese says what sold him on coming to Washington was the people and coach Ron Rivera, storied franchise that's had success and the desire to bring it back to the fans.

— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) July 30, 2020

Zampese said the “sky is the limit” in Washington. He wanted to be around people like head coach Ron Rivera, and he’s excited to be part of the staff to bring the franchise success.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) July 30, 2020

Ken Zampese said he had one sheet he brought to his meeting with Rivera. He cites 2018 when he coached Baker Mayfield in Cleveland. Said you have an on-the-clock mentality about the QB's development, which Mayfield did and so do the QBs in Washington.

— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) July 30, 2020

Ken Zampese said what he likes about working with young QBs is you get to mold them. They don't flinch at new suggestions, they're open minded and when things start to work and slow down for them, he loves building someone's mind in how the coaching staff wants them to be.

— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) July 30, 2020

Ken Zampese loved seeing Dwayne Haskins work with Cam Newton this offseason. Newton knows the language. Zampese said he saw the pic, texted Haskins to ask any questions he has, Haskins said he was on it. Zampese loved that answer.

— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) July 30, 2020