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Washington Football Team: Week 2 reality checks, predictions vs. Cardinals

By Tim Payne

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Football Team reacts to a call against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second half at FedExField on September 13, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Football Team reacts to a call against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second half at FedExField on September 13, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 06: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Football Team looks on against the New England Patriots during the first half at FedExField on October 6, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 06: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Football Team looks on against the New England Patriots during the first half at FedExField on October 6, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

4. The Reality Is, success is hard to handle

During Jay Gruden’s tenure, this team consistently struggled to string together successes. They’d get a bit too high and loose after wins, and typically come out extremely flat in the next game.

Human nature would tend toward a letdown after a massive comeback against a rival. Ron Rivera’s first test comes this week. Is he able to keep the team focused and aggressive in their preparation? Outside of a few wily veterans, this is a team full of young players who have tasted very little success in the NFL.

Rivera has to find a way to help them block out last week and ensure they do all the right things to prepare for the game this week.

My Prediction: Ron Rivera is no Jay Gruden. These two guys could not be much more different. Rivera will have these guys ready to play, to compete, to execute on Sunday. Washington won’t fall down early like they did against Philly, and they will go for a second straight week of minimal penalties.

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