Five positives and negatives for Washington Football Team in loss to Cardinals

Positive 4

Win or lose, the development of younger players (of which the WFT has many) is of the utmost importance in 2020.  This is what we had to say last week on this subject.

"The development of younger players in recent years is beginning to pay dividends for Washington and the trend will continue for the foreseeable future it seems.  The yearly NFL draft is still the best way to build a team.  Investments along the defensive line, quarterback, defensive backs, running backs, and wide receiver have helped to establish a solid young core of players. Many of them were on display last Sunday.  Future draft capital should be spent on linebackers, offensive line (several drafts), wide receivers, defensive backs (a bit more), and tight ends.  Free agency certainly helps, but the draft should be the primary focus."

This still holds true, even after a loss.  The more experience they gain, the better it will be for them and the team in the coming years.

Negative 4

When you look at the fourth positive aspect, it is unusual to be talking about the fourth negative from the Cardinals game.  As the game was in its final two minutes, the team had three timeouts and a very small, outside chance of winning the game.  Head coach Ron Rivera shocked game commentators, analysts, and fans by not using those timeouts.  He tossed in the towel and the game was over.

Let’s be honest.  The chances of making a comeback were incredibly small, but why not give those young players some experience in running a two-minute offense? Opportunities to learn from that moment late in the game can reward the team in the future.

Rivera missed a golden opportunity to teach his players about fighting to the end and performing in a two-minute offense.  Also, the special teams can execute an onside kick in a game situation.  The defense can make key stops.  The opportunities were there late in the game and the team could’ve learned from these scenarios.