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Washington Football Team: Highs and lows from Week 7 win vs. Cowboys

By Hirdesh Matta

Oct 25, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Terence Steele (78) recovers the ball after a Washington Football Team defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci (7) during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Terence Steele (78) recovers the ball after a Washington Football Team defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci (7) during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 25: Kyle Allen #8 of the Washington Football Team throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at FedExField on October 25, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 25: Kyle Allen #8 of the Washington Football Team throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at FedExField on October 25, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Highs, Part 3

Big Plays

Yes, the Dallas defense is horrible, we know this. But, what we have also grown accustomed to is Washington not taking advantage of their opponent’s weaknesses.

But today was a new day. In addition to Gibson’s 40-yard run, Washington had a 52-yard touchdown reception to Terry McLaurin, a 26-yard reception to Logan Thomas, and a 22-yard reception to Cam Sims.

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Terry McLaurin finished the day with seven receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown. He seems to be gelling well with Allen and told NBC Sports Washington about the team’s trust in the quarterback.

"“Kyle gives energy to the whole offense,” McLaurin said. “The confidence that we have in him is — it can’t be measured….He’s very vocal with the receivers so we know what page he’s trying to be on and I can’t state enough how much he knows this offense and gives comfortability for everyone.”"

No Turnovers for Kyle Allen

Kyle Allen proved that he’s a winner and showed that Rivera’s faith in him was warranted in Sunday’s game. Although it was disappointing seeing Dwayne Haskins get benched so early in the season, it is clear to see that Allen has a better command of the offense.

He is not afraid to take chances down the field, which leads to big plays, but can also lead to turnovers. The one qualm a lot of fans had with Allen is his propensity to turn the ball over. Prior to this season, he was averaging about a fumble and an interception per game.

Last week, in what was his first full start this season, Allen again threw an interception and lost a fumble. This week, however, Allen limited his mistakes and had no turnovers. That is a sign of growth and helps ease those concerns, at least for a week.

Seeing Allen take shots down the field was a welcome sight, as that has been an element that was missing from the offense when Haskins was starting. Allen connected with McLaurin on a big touchdown pass and also had another long pass to Logan Thomas where Thomas was able to pull the ball away from the defender. Those are the types of plays you like seeing your quarterback make because it shows that he has confidence in his receivers.

Rivera seems to approve of Allen’s propensity to throw down the field.

“One thing Kyle’s not afraid to do is throw the ball deep,” said Rivera in his postgame presser. “As he goes throw his progressions, if he gets a chance to hitch it, take that step into it, he’ll let it sling. That’s one thing about him.”

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