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Washington Football Team Reality Checks – Week 5 vs. Rams

By Tim Payne

Sep 27, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Kyle Allen (8) throws the ball during warmups before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Kyle Allen (8) throws the ball during warmups before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 04: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Football Team (L) looks on from the sideline against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at FedExField on October 4, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Washington Football Team did not host fans during the game. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 04: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Football Team (L) looks on from the sideline against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at FedExField on October 4, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Washington Football Team did not host fans during the game. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

5. The Reality Is, the pressure is on Coach Rivera.

Riverboat Ron made a massive gamble this week in benching Dwayne Haskins. His primary rationalization for the decision was the opportunity the team has to compete for the NFC East title and a playoff berth.

If Kyle Allen struggles and the offense looks similarly limited as it has in the past couple of weeks, there’s no doubt the feedback for Coach Rivera will continue to get more loudly negative. He needs his team to respond to his bold move with a significant progression in play.

The Rams have wins against the three teams Coach Rivera believes his squad is good enough to beat out for the NFC East division title. If Washington looks inept, if Kyle Allen looks shaky, if this team gets beat for a fourth straight week, then Ron’s honeymoon period in Washington will likely be completely over.

Since this is only the fifth game for Rivera in Washington, it’s very difficult to get a feel for how the team responds to his leadership. Did he pull just the right string this week to get the entire team aligned, focused, and motivated, or will the team be distracted and come out flat?

My Prediction: Washington, including the offense and quarterback production, will get a boost this week. The team will respond to Rivera’s vote of confidence in them and will bring a solid effort to FedEx Field on Sunday. Expect a higher scoring affair with a much more effective ground game than expected on both sides. Washington pulls out a tight one, 24-23.

Five bold predictions for Washington Football Team in Week 5. dark. Next

Here’s hoping this crazy week ends with a win for the Washington Football Team.

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