NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
After 14 weeks, the Washington Football Team sits atop the NFC East. Washington extended their winning streak to four on Sunday, defeating the San Fransisco 49ers 23-15. Many people wrote them off after their week six loss to the 0-5 Giants. However, they are 5-2 since then, and both losses were only by three points.
The now front runners to win the division will have their work cut out for them playing Seattle on Sunday. Seattle is 9-4, and Washington will have to defend not only D.K. Metcalf, but also All-Pro quarterback Russell Wilson. The defense has been stellar in recent weeks, but this will be the toughest offense they have faced since going on a winning streak.
Here are three reasons why Washington can win the NFC East.
Ron Rivera
Ron Rivera was brought in to build a new culture. When he committed to Washington, he couldn’t have expected all of the offseason debacles that occurred. Even when things began to calm down, he was then diagnosed with skin cancer. His treatment lasted for two months, and he didn’t miss one game during this time.
Everything Rivera has done for this organization in the past 12 months has exceeded everyone’s expectations. Ask any fan, and they will tell you this season feels different than the past. There is a sense of optimism on this team. Monday was a day off for players, yet 37 of them were in the weight room, and 20+ were receiving treatment.
The team is still rebuilding and are a few pieces away from being true contenders, but this is what a “damn good culture” looks like.
Top 10 Defense
Going into the season, most were excited to see how well this defense would perform. Washington’s defense currently ranks 4th in yards allowed per game (313.5 yds/game). Last year, the defense under Greg Manusky allowed 385.1 yards per game. They allow 21.2 points per game, which ranks 6th in the league, whereas in 2019, they allowed 27.2.
Tied for second with the Giants, Washington only allows a touchdown 50% of the time when the opponents reach the Red Zone. They ranked 24th in 2019, giving up a touchdown 61.02% of the time.
It will be challenging Sunday to keep these defensive numbers up as Seattle scores the 3rd most points per game (30.2) and the 6th most yards per game (387.5). However, this will be a good measuring stick to see just how good this unit is.
Remaining Schedule
Washington: Seahawks, Panthers, Eagles
Giants: Browns, Ravens, Cowboys
Eagles: Cardinals, Cowboys, Washington
Cowboys: 49ers, Eagles, Giants
The Seahawks will be Washington’s most challenging opponent, but a win Sunday could put the seal on this division. The Giants have a tough road ahead, facing two AFC North teams. The Cowboys won’t be favored in any of their final three games. Finally, the Eagle’s next two games are similar to Washington in terms of difficulty.
If Philadelphia wins their next two and Washington drops one of their next two, their matchup on January 3rd will decide the winner of the NFC East. However, no one knows what will happen in this unprecedented season. Washington could win the next two games and end up resting their starters in preparation for playoffs.
