Ron Rivera Presser: Washington loses to Philadelphia 20-16; eliminated from the playoffs

LIVE: Coach Rivera speaks to the media after the game https://t.co/QWDiQiSiub

— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) January 2, 2022

Ron Rivera said he felt the game was a microcosm of Washignton’s season as a whole. “The biggest thing is they fought, they played hard, they gave themselves a chance at the end. That’s all you can ask for.”

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) January 2, 2022

Ron Rivera said he was proud of the effort from Washington. He got the response he was looking for, even though the team didn’t win.

— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) January 2, 2022

Ron Rivera said Ricky Seals-Jones (neck) is doing fine. Was walking around.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) January 2, 2022

Ron Rivera says “overwhelming is a good word” for what his team has had to deal with the last few weeks from injuries to COVID issues to a couple of off-field tragedies involving Deshazor and Montez pic.twitter.com/5HQoWeJYfp

— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) January 2, 2022

On the game-clinching interception, Ron Rivera said he thought John Bates was tripped; “wanted the flag, obviously.”

— John Keim (@john_keim) January 2, 2022

Rivera said they used David Mayo a lot today as the MIKE LB to free up Cole Holcomb. Get used to this: Holcomb’s future here likely outside, along with Jamin Davis. Will be a big search this offseason to get a MIKE. Would make a big help.

— John Keim (@john_keim) January 2, 2022

Washington went from leading 16-7 at halftime with scores on four of its first-half drives to losing 20-16. Taylor Heinicke: “We just didn’t get things rolling in the third quarter.”

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) January 2, 2022

Taylor Heinicke on what happened on his interception to seal the game: pic.twitter.com/Gkr5ysMH6g

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) January 2, 2022

Taylor Heinicke on his last throw that was intercepted: “If he doesn’t trip, I think he catches that thing for a touchdown.”

— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) January 2, 2022

Heinicke thought the pass to Bates was “one of the best crossing 9’s” he’s ever thrown. Thinks it’s a TD if Bates doesn’t trip. Instead, interception.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) January 2, 2022

Taylor: “It’s been a rough stretch. Guys battle but we come up short each time.”

— George Wallace (@GWallaceWTOP) January 2, 2022

Taylor Heinicke on how Washington fares against the NFC East teams (1-4 entering Week 18): “Obviously we got spanked by Dallas a couple of times.” Believes no separation with the other teams.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) January 2, 2022

Taylor Heinicke said on the 4th and 4 play they usually threw to the motion side on that particular call. Switched it up and threw away from the motion. Said Eagles just defended it well.

— John Keim (@john_keim) January 2, 2022

Terry: “The goal every year you put the pads on is to make the playoffs and win the Super Bowl. It’s disappointing we won’t be able to do that.” pic.twitter.com/iEVzjaTxuz

— George Wallace (@GWallaceWTOP) January 2, 2022

Terry McLaurin has seven catches on eight targets after only eight receptions over the previous four games. Heinicke felt the coaches did a good job of moving McLaurin around into different spots to help create room and opportunities.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) January 2, 2022

Terry McLaurin: “We have gone through adversity & COVID & personal tragedies… I don’t think anybody will say that’s the reason we didn’t get it done. Every team is dealing with something. By no stretch of the imagination do I want it out there that’s why we didn’t get it done.”

— John Keim (@john_keim) January 2, 2022

Cole Holcomb on dealing with all the chaos in these parts over the last few weeks: “Coming to work tomorrow. That’s about it.”

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) January 2, 2022

Allen: “We don’t believe in moral Victories here. We’re here to win football games and that’s what we’re paid to do,”

— George Wallace (@GWallaceWTOP) January 2, 2022