The Washington Football Team rebranded prior to last season and found their way into the playoffs. Everything clicked into place as soon as they handed the then-11-0 Steelers their first defeat of the season.
Despite so much uncertainty at the QB spot, they were able to get in. And now, as the Cowboys, Giants and Eagles all retooled in the offseason, the division could be a little better. And the new WFT QB could lead the team back to the playoffs. Perhaps, as a higher seed.
The Defense is Loaded
Just like it was a year ago, Washington’s defense is stacked across the board. They got a magnificent year from rookie Chase Young, who complements all the talent the team already had upfront. Jonathan Allen has been such a beast for them at the DT spot.
Montez Sweat has wasted no time becoming a dominant pass rusher. And Da’Ron Payne, a 1st-round pick in 2018 has also made an instant impact the past couple of years. There is not a week link, and now Jamin Davis is coming in to tear it up as a rookie.
They have a lot of good experience in the secondary with William Jackson III, Landon Collins, and Kendall Fuller. They could use a little depth there, but the top guys are good enough to get it done. And their scheme works so well with the pieces they have.
Fitz Has Been Great
No matter the team he has played on during the past several seasons, Ryan Fitzpatrick has made an impact. He had Miami playing competitive football as Tua went in and out of the lineup. A few years prior, he had Tampa Bay winning games that they had been losing with Jameis Winston at the helm.
He helped the Jets to their best season in the past decade, before ultimately blowing it in the final game of the year. And he won the job in Washington against a pair of young and hungry QB’s, which is very telling of what he can do.
His hail mary TD while his helmet was being tugged aggressively against the Raiders was nothing short of incredible. And they one play is telling of what he can bring to the table. Leadership, talent, swag, and of course, winning.
He’s Got Some Weapons
Terry McLaurin has made an instant impact in Washington over his first few years. And then the team went out and signed Curtis Samuel, who can play truly any position in the offense. They drafted Dyami Brown pretty early and he projects to be a big playmaker.
And they still have Logan Thomas who caught seemingly every pass thrown his way last season. They have Antonio Gibson, who turned in an incredible rookie season, They have one of the best receiving backs in J.D. McKissic.
They have also invested some serious money into the offensive line. Alex Smith and Kyle Allen took some serious beatings a season ago. They need to make sure their new veteran is able to stay on the field.
Riverboat Ron
Last but not least, Ron Rivera is the head coach here. The man is tough as nails. He beat cancer during the NFL season, while not taking any serious time away from his team.
He’s as much of a warrior as anybody in the league, and his toughness and willingness to stay strong will lead the team to some wins they may otherwise not have. Just like last year.
