Ron Rivera on the Pulse today

[KB_fan]

Ron was on the Pulse broadcast today

http://espn730.com/page.php?page_id=67#

http://stationcaster.com/player_skinned.php?s=131&c=1291&f=5464383

Just now starting to listen to it.   I'll recap in a little while.

[KB_fan]

 1) Talking about Ron's TV show with "Fluffy Guy" ... a chance to laugh about football a little bit.

2) Talking about Cam and how he can continue to improve.

3) Building on a 15-1 season.... still hungry.   All the lessons they learned last year.

4) Getting KB back. ... and yet how Cam's spreading the ball around was a really important part of our success last year.

5) Ron's growth as a coach.  What was the turning point.  The importance of Madden as a mentor.  The Buffalo game in 2013 and the changes it forced him to make.  Playing to win, instead of playing not to lose.  Don't "hope to win or play to survive" any more.  That's what we want to carry forward in 2016.

6) Ron's relationship with DG.  Dave is a great listener and easy to collaborate with, shares ideas.   Talks about their process in making the J-NO decision.

7) Ron's impression of the rookies.  Ron's impression of Keyarris Garrett... (in response to a specific question) he had a very good minicamp.  He's a good looking football player.  Hard worker.  Catches peoples eye.

8) The new rookie corners:  Ron gives brief blurbs on all 3.  This segment starting at around 9:35 is very interesting.

Bradberry:   So much potential, skill set very exciting.

Worley:  Refined Potential.  He comes from a bigger program, different type of coaching

Sanchez:  Great natural feel for football, plays with great vision.  A bit of a gambler.

9) Jeremy Cash:  His athleticism, the way he attacks the line of scrimmage.  He could become a special teams ace for us.  He might work into nickel - big nickel - will LB type player.

10) Thoughts on rules changes (Touchbacks).... and possible changes to instant replays (owners will be discussing next week), how to avoid delay of game, but perhaps expand what's challengable.  We need to get it right.  How hard it is to be consistent with the rules.

11) Reaction to schedule & Thursday night opener against Broncos.  Hates the fact that they open on the road, but likes the challenge at the start.  We can set the tone & tempo for the season in that game.  Being on nat'l TV to kick off the season... it can really help us.

12) Baseball....

 

[KB_fan]

At the very beginning of the audio clip, it sounds like they'd already been talking to Ron for a little while.  Also, someone else commented in another thread that Ron discussed the Boykin situation.   There was nothing about Boykin in the 16 minute clip that's online.  I would have loved to hear what Ron had to say about that.,,,

[Mr. Scot]

Well, that kills the idea that Gettleman made the Norman decision without Rivera's involvement.

(not that anybody outside of some of our resident nimrods believed that idea anyway)

[ColumbusCounty]

....will listen later ..thanks for the summary!! Concerned about the end of #5. If we play every game ....the ENTIRE game like we did against Arizona in the playoffs ... I'd be shocked ...and VERY proud!!! Foot on the gas all 4 ....  I'm not too fond of the good sport mentality. I want to see an entire team's will crushed...every sunday we play ...and Thursday...and Monday...whenever we hit that field. 

Wouldn't care if it was 42-7 ... I want the 49...not 3 straight up the middle runs...punt...other team score...rinse/repeat. 

[KB_fan]

The longer Pulse podcast excerpt is now online.

http://espn730.com/page.php?page_id=67#

http://stationcaster.com/player_skinned.php?s=131&c=1291&f=5464713

Ron comes on at about 12:50 into the broadcast.  I assume it will be an additional 8 - 10 minutes of talk with him that wasn't included in the 16 minute audio clip posted above.  Listening now.... will add more details soon.

[KB_fan]

OK: from about 12:50 to 24:30 there's much more from Ron.

1) Talks about some of his non-football offseason activities and how the Super Bowl run squeezed that a bit (but no complaints).  The draft & free agency started so soon.... coaches are already onto game prep, especially for teams they haven't played recently.

2) Question about all the travel next year.  Haven't made a decision yet if they'll stay out west between the Oakland & Seattle games

3) Brandon Boykin:  Josh's departure changed their approach somewhat.  They had targeted Sanchez.  Need the rookies to get reps.  It felt fair to Boykin to give him another opportunity to play more elsewhere.

4) Josh Norman departure:  We wanted to get something done quickly.  We had time to think...  Tough decision. 

5) Secondary:  3 of 4 starters gone.  Are you nervous?   Ron: "We've done this before"  We're confident in our coaches.  Like Tre Boston along with Coleman.  Bene has started for us.  McClain has quality experience.  They're still in the mix.  We've got young guys to coach up and get ready to play.    It's an 11 man game.  The guys up front have to do their job.  Sure I'd be more comfortable if we had Josh, but we'll work with this.

6) The defensive front:  expects Kony to grow.  Don't want him to think he has to do too much.  The goal is for him to be solid.  Same for CJ.  We've got some young guys in the wings we think can make an impact.

7) What does CJ's decision (and Tolberts) to come back for less money say about the culture.  There's a group of guys that fit us very well.  They wanted to come back.  We're very excited.

8) TD's arm:  It's fine.  (Ron confesses TD is one of his favorites).  TD epitomizes what we want to be.  Nothing was going to stop him playing in the SB.  "It's his red badge of courage.  It's who Thomas is...."

9) Linebackers:  Nothing needs to be said.  You just know.  They're going to do the job.  Middle of our D is stout.  Not just our starters.... Look at our backups too - AJ Klein. 

[Norway]

Found it interesting that Ron now mentioned that they targeted four corners, and they ended up with three of them. Quite encouraging