Where do we go from here? The three outcomes on the standings for the Washington Football Team is 2-1 with a win, 1-2 with a loss, or 1-1-1 with a tie. This game against the Buffalo Bills has them with the same record and the same possible outcomes — win, lose, or draw.
Last week, former backup QB, Taylor Heinicke, led the WFT to victory after the starting QB Ryan Fitzpatrick was injured in the opener with a hip subloxation and was placed on the IR.
The Washington Football Team lost their opener against the Chargers and beat the Giants last week with a walk-off field goal with no time on the clock. WFT head coach Ron Rivera says they have to contain the Bills’ quarterback, Josh Allen, and will have some of the same challenges they had with the mobile Daniel Jones of the Giants last week. Top target for Buffalo is form Maryland Terp star, Stefon Diggs, who they must blanket.
“Well, I think his ability to run is obviously something that we’ve got to be disciplined about. We saw it last week with [New York Giants QB] Daniel Jones. So the emphasis has been on that, making sure we’re prepared for it, make sure we understand what our role is and how we fit that role. I think that’s one of the things that we’ve got to be really sharp with. I think his ability to throw, especially throw the deep ball, the hard play action they give. He’s really good at the play fakes which allows for the receivers to get downfield, to get in behind those linebackers. So, you know, we have to be again, disciplined reading our keys and then getting back to where we need to be to force the higher throws.
— Ron Rivera press conference on Thursday
The WFT has to get the running game going with Antonio Gibson which will then open up the throwing game for Heinicke and take advantage of the Bills’ secondary. Heinicke has to get the ball more to tight end Logan Thomas like he did with wide receiver Terry McLaurin last week. But the WFT only ran for 87 yards last week and 6 of those yards was from Heinicke.
In total, Washington’s offense and special teams scored 30 points. The problem is the defense allowed 29 points, and that is where this team has to tighten up. They have been poor on their third down defense and allowing too many open seams in their soft zones.
In pass plays in 3rd down this season, the Chargers and Giants combined to be 18-23 in pass plays. That is horrible. This has to change. That is a 78.3% completion percentage. Also, on opening drives in both games, Washington has allowed TDs in both games. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio is under the magnifying glass.
“Yeah, we just want to go out and compete each week, learn from any mistakes that were made and continue grow as we go forward and get better as the year goes on. I think that’s the case, regardless of where you start. Do you want to continually work on things? That’s what us coaches do. We’re constantly striving for more, for better. The effort’s been outstanding. The energy that we’re playing with has been outstanding. I think last week in key moments, we came up big, had to have stops. At the end of the day, it’s about winning games, right? And so we need to continue to do all we can to bring that energy, bring that fight and that competitiveness and clean up some of the things that haven’t been quite as good as we expect.”
— Jack Del Rio
The vaunted WFT defense led by defensive rookie of the year, Chase Young, has to step up and the team has to control those third and long plays. First round pick Jamin Davis had a better game last week. More pressure on the quarterback and tighter coverage in third down will be the key along with not allowing Allen to scramble for yards.
Vegas sees this as a Buffalo winner with a 7 point spread on this morning’s line. Time for the WFT to win this and get some respect.
Where to watch if you’re not at the game:
- Game Day: Sunday, September 26, 2021
- Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: FOX-5 DC
- Location: Buffalo, New York
- Stadium: Highmark Stadium
Here is your MGM line for today’s game:
