Washington Football Team must improve in first half to win games

The Washington Football Team is entering Week 3 of the 2020 NFL season and their game this weekend is in Cleveland against the Browns. This one change can lead to victory on Sunday afternoon.

The Washington Football Team will march to the shores of Lake Erie on Sunday to face the Cleveland Browns and try to maintain at least a share of first place in the NFC East.  It’s no secret that Washington’s offense has struggled in the first two games, but this unit can start to turn a corner against the Browns.

The one change that has been needed since the first few minutes of the season opener is for the offense to have a much better first half.  That’s it – this is the change that is needed.  Let’s talk about how the offense can make that change, shall we?

First, the offense needs to have better blocking on the line.  It’s even more important now as Brandon Scherff is on injured reserve for a few weeks and Wes Schweitzer mans the right guard position.  It is time for Schweitzer to step forward.

Right tackle Morgan Moses and center Chase Roullier have been performing at heightened levels through the first two games and will need to continue to do so.  Geron Christian had a rough first game, but had some improvements in game two.  This trend will hopefully continue to progress in a positive direction.  Wes Martin has played poorly the first two weeks and while he is gaining valuable experience, it is time for him to improve quickly.

Second, the running backs need to step forward in a big way.  The second half of the Cardinals game was much better than the previous three halves and perhaps there is more than just light at the end of the tunnel.  Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic need to have a bigger impact in the passing attack while Peyton Barber should continue his role in short yardage needs.  Hopefully, Bryce Love can see some action very soon.

Third, receivers not named Terry McLaurin must put forth a much better effort on game day.  They simply can’t be absent from the action.  It’s unlikely we will see any improvement from Dontrelle Inman as his career is in the final few months of existence.  That means Antonio Gandy-Golden’s future is now, and it is time for the young rookie to step forward.  Steven Sims is in a bit of a mini-slump and the hope is that he can step forward quickly.  Also, it is time to see what Isaiah Wright can offer the offense.

Fourth, the tight end production is certainly a weak link for the team and this group really needs to focus on production and protection.  As for production, Logan Thomas is the only tight end that is currently providing it and, quite honestly, that is limited.  Perhaps it is time for the team to feature Jeremy Sprinkle a bit more in two-tight ends sets.  The Washington Football Team could also take a look at free agents or explore the possibility of a trade.  Short of a lightning jolt, the tight ends definitely need a great deal of improvement.

If the offense can perform better in the first half of each contest, it will significantly lift the overall fortunes of the team going forward.  The individual improvements mentioned today will go a long way in making the offense a better product against the Browns and on the Sundays to follow.