Top quotes from Ron Rivera following first padded practice in Washington

It’s easy to say that Ron Rivera is officially the head coach in Washington now. This has been true all offseason, of course, but now that he’s run his first padded practice with the team, it just feels like the process is complete.

While we all loved to see updates and watch videos from the first practice that media was allowed to attend, Rivera sat down with media members after the day and stressed improvement at several areas, as well as making note of some things that he liked to see. Here are all of the best quotes from his talk with media.

Ron Rivera said he wants his team to play fast and he was disappointed at times with the tempo. Saw some good things too but he wants his guys aware of the situation and players to know their assignments.

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 18, 2020

Ron Rivera said they’re gradually bringing Alex Smith along. Had him in 7-on-7 today where there was no threat of people around his feet and to see him move. They’ll keep tabs on how he progresses.

— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 18, 2020

Ron Rivera said he saw some things he liked, some things he didn't in Washington's first padded practice. He addressed the team after and stressed attention to details and tempo — two things he's emphasized all offseason, really.

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 18, 2020

Troy Apke played well at free safety today. Rivera said he has sharp movements and he is a smart players. Rivera also emphasized the importance of finding the right combination of players, so the rotation could change every day.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 18, 2020

Ron Rivera said they're using many different combinations on the line and other positions. So don't read too much into who was with the ones and twos today, especially on the left side of the OL and LBs. It will change.

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 18, 2020

Rivera: "Very few positions are set in our mind right now. … You're definitely going to see a different group of linebackers, that's for sure."

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 18, 2020

Rivera said he watched players coming back from leg injuries like Reuben Foster, Alex Smith and Bryce Love. Rivera said it was fun to watch them because he could see them getting more confident in their legs.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 18, 2020

Head coach Ron Rivera said he watched Bryce Love, Alex Smith and Reuben Foster a little closer today since they're coming off major injuries.

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 18, 2020

Rivera on what they're looking for from their young QBs: "Is their body keeping up with their eyes. … You'll hear us talk about mechanics, you'll hear us talking about footwork. As long as he's making good decisions, you feel like he's progressing."

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 18, 2020

Rivera said he feels there are a lot of bad habits that need to be corrected because of players' time away from the field with the pandemic. "We have to have them understand this is how we do things and this is how we want it done."

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 18, 2020

Since there were no OTAs and minicamps, Rivera knew some players would be a little rusty today. So, he stressed again that they need to do things the way the coaches ask of them. If that happens, then the glory will go to them.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) August 18, 2020