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Washington Football Team: Five positives and negatives from loss to Browns

By Ken Johannesen

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Isaiah Wright #83 of the Washington Football Team looks fora yards after a catch against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Isaiah Wright #83 of the Washington Football Team looks fora yards after a catch against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 27: Defensive end Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Football Team nearly sacks quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. Mayfield threw an incomplete pass on the play and was charged with intentional grounding. The Browns defeated the Washington Football Team 34-20. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 27: Defensive end Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Football Team nearly sacks quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. Mayfield threw an incomplete pass on the play and was charged with intentional grounding. The Browns defeated the Washington Football Team 34-20. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Positive 2

Speaking of second-year players, Montez Sweat is off to a great start this season and he is blazing a path to sustained success.  Against the Browns, Sweat was a one-man wrecking crew, logging a sack and pressuring the quarterback many times.  It is not out of the question to think he will have a double-digit sack season.

One other aspect of Sweat’s game was on display.  He came across the field on one play and chased down Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.  Mayfield tried to throw a pass in desperation, but it was grounding and the loss of yardage was substantial.

Sweat’s 4.4 speed is so unusual for a defensive lineman of his size.  Look for Sweat to continue this success and be sure to take notice of his elite athleticism.

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Negative 2

For the third week in a row, Washington faced a halftime deficit of more than one touchdown.  The offense did vault to a 7-0 lead early in the game, but it was only a matter of time until it was a 10-point halftime deficit.

For this to happen in a third straight game is a bit disconcerting.  Yes, it is a part of that learning process for younger players, but they need to learn the nuances of not folding and making spirited comebacks.

The other aspect of these first-half shortcomings and meltdowns centers on the coaching.  Successful adjustments during any game is a trademark of the better franchises in the NFL.  In recent years, such adjustments were lacking for the WFT and while this is not a trend thus far in 2020, it is something to watch.

As the younger players gain experience, they will need to adapt during any game if they want to pile up the victories.

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