NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
The Washington Football Team currently sits at 2-5 and second place in the NFC East. After the 2020 season, many believed this team would take the next step forward in 2021. However, the first seven weeks have been nothing short of disastrous. If not for a couple of plays, Washington could be right next to the Lions at 0-7.
This article will look at Washington’s defense, offense, and coaching as we near the season’s halfway point.
Defense
The defense has been the biggest disappointment so far. A secondary with three starters making an average of $37.5 million/year combined ranks dead last in pass defense, giving up 300.6 passing yards per game. The defense also ranks 32nd in one of the most crucial statistics: points per game, allowing 30 pp..g. After being ranked 2nd against the pass in 2020, their struggles to shut down the opposing team’s passing game are a disappointment, to say the least.
When you look into the secondary’s coverage grades, it shouldn’t be a surprise they are 32nd. Landon Collins’ 39.6 coverage grade ranks 78th out of 81 safties who have taken 100+ coverage snaps. Williams Jackson’s 46.5 coverage grade ranks 97th out 103 corners who have taken 100+ coverage snaps. Fuller’s 60.6 coverage grade is best on the team but ranks 59th in the league.
Offense
Going into week 6, the Chiefs ranked last in pass yards allowed, and opponents averaged 32.6 points per game when facing Kansas City. Heincke failed to pass for even 200 yards. The offense as a whole only mustard 13 points and was shut out in the second half. No one expected the offense to be top 10 in 2021. However, not being able to move the ball or put up points against one of the worst defenses in the league is unacceptable.
While facing the Packers, the offense drove the ball twice inside the Packer’s five-yard line. Both possessions resulted in zero points. On four trips to the red zone, the offense only scored three points. Heinicke continued to struggle with bad decisions and inaccurate throws.
The only bright spot so far has been the offensive line. It continues to improve each week and has been the most consistent and productive unit, much like last year. Five out of the six highest-graded offensive players are linemen.
Coaching
Most were thrilled with the hiring of Ron Rivera in 2020. After last season, fans were ready to erect a statue of him for merely making the playoffs. For the first time in a long time, there was optimism surrounding Washington.
Unfortunately, 2021 has been a different story. 2-5 is far from where people believed Rivera would have Washington through seven games while having an offense that struggles to put up points consistently and the last-ranked defense. It is frustrating to see players who have visibly struggled every week continue to see substantial playing time.
Rivera finally changed up Landon Collins’ role, calling him a “downfield linebacker.” Collins played the least amount of snaps Sunday as he had all season, going from 60-70 plays a game to only 24 on Sunday. William Jackson was sidelined by an injury, allowing Danny Johnson to see playing time for the first time in 2021. Johnson’s 61.2 coverage grade, while not impressive, was a huge upgrade over Jackson’s 46.5.
It was not by coincidence that Collins limited playing time and Jackson being out, led to arguably Washington’s best defensive showing. Rivera continues to preach that he will put players in the best position to win football games. The defense’s success on Sunday might be a sign that more changes will occur.
