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Three takeaways from Washington Football Team’s Week 2 loss vs. Cardinals

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Football Team is tackled by defensive end Jordan Phillips #97, defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence #92 and outside linebacker Devon Kennard #42 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Washington Football Team 30-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Football Team is tackled by defensive end Jordan Phillips #97, defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence #92 and outside linebacker Devon Kennard #42 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Washington Football Team 30-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 20: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals attempts to avoid a tackle against Jimmy Moreland #20 of the Washington Football Team during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 20: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals attempts to avoid a tackle against Jimmy Moreland #20 of the Washington Football Team during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

2. The secondary is still a work in progress

In their Week 1 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington got an excellent effort out of their secondary. Fabian Moreau and Jimmy Moreland each had key interceptions that led to points, and that allowed Washington a chance to get back in the game late.

However, in Week 2, the secondary didn’t play well at all and was more reminiscent of the unit that allowed the Eagles to go up 17-0.

Simply put, Washington couldn’t consistently cover anyone. Their poor day started in the red-zone when Landon Collins had an awful coverage breakdown against DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins just breezed by Collins who was supposed to follow the receiver. Instead of having a chance to make a play on the ball, Kyler Murray had the easiest TD throw of his career.

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The problems would continue later on. Ronald Darby gave up a massive gain to Christian Kirk, as the speedster beat Darby by a step and set up a score for Arizona. Earlier in the game, Andy Isabella made a big play deep after beating Troy Apke, who misread the play and allowed far too much space behind him. If not for an imperfect throw, Isabella may have beaten him.

Throughout the game, Washington just wasn’t able to contain the Cardinals passing attack consistently. They had some nice stretches in the second half, and their defensive line generated pressure at various points that helped slow down their opponent. But for the most part, the secondary had a tough time.

The secondary was always expected to be a weakness of Washington, and it doesn’t need to be entirely overhauled. There have still been solid flashes and in this game, Collins’ interception was one of them. But they need to become more consistent and add more talent in order to achieve their goal.

Hopefully, Washington’s young defense will see some players step up in bigger roles as the season goes along. Maybe it’ll be Moreland or Moreau, but for now, the unit is lackluster. Rivera and Co. will have to try to find a way to fix the issues back there as the season goes along, but very clearly, this unit is still a work in progress and is figuring out what players can stick around long-term.

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