Washington Football Team studs and duds from Week 5 loss to Rams

Stud No. 4 – Kyle Allen (in a small sample size)

It seems popular to rag on Washington’s quarterback situation, and in all actuality, it has devolved into something of a mess. But Kyle Allen is due for at least a little bit of respect after his performance on Sunday. He played less than two quarters, but he led the offense to their only touchdown, and he showed some proactivity at the quarterback position.

Keep in mind: After Week 5’s loss, the bar to be a “stud” has lowered a bit. But Kyle Allen displayed a couple traits that we were waiting rather impatiently to see from Dwayne Haskins, and he gave the offense a chance to move, on a day where it was dead set against doing so.

Allen finished the day nine of 13 for 74 yards, and he also had one carry for seven yards and a touchdown. It wasn’t anything flashy from Allen, but one key trait he brought to the table was the ability to extend plays, and make plays, with his legs.

Too often in the first four weeks, Haskins would simply collapse in the face of pressure. But Allen was tested more than once against pressure, and he used his legs proactively to buy time. On Washington’s touchdown play, Allen stepped up into the pocket, and when he didn’t see anything, he jolted to the left and rolled out. When no windows opened up, he decided to take it himself, charging into the end zone just before the safety closed him out.

Later, as the offense was nearing midfield, Allen again faced pressure. This time, he evaded a rusher and rolled off to the right. He again bought time for the receivers to gain separation, but again, there was none. In hindsight, Allen should’ve thrown this ball away, but he instead tried to force a couple yards on the sideline, and the resulting collision with Jalen Ramsey knocked him out of the game.

Allen was by no means perfect on Sunday, and he rarely, if ever, tested the offense downfield. But in his evasion skills, modest athleticism, and competitive fire, he showcased a few foundational traits that were lacking. This isn’t saying much, but Allen probably gives Washington’s offense the best chance to execute at a quality level, at least for now. And Washington seems to recognize that: They announced he’d return as the starter in Week 6 after the game.