Washington Football Team Reality Checks: Week 10 vs. Detroit Lions
By Tim Payne
No. 4 – The Reality Is, Alex Smith gives this team the best chance moving forward
Alex Smith is not the long-term answer for this team. Anyone hoping he’s the starter next season because of two quarters of good football is insane or a family member. However, Smith gives the team the best opportunity to win this season, as well as the best opportunity to evaluate their playmakers and offensive coordinator Scott Turner.
If the team can finish this season with a clear evaluation of their offensive personnel and staff, that should be considered a successful second half of the season. Starting Haskins at this point would undermine those other evaluations, and would also undermine Ron Rivera’s culture overhaul, as he’s made it clear that Haskins has not lived up to his expectations related to preparation. Rewarding him with the starting job unless and until his preparation is more exemplary would be detrimental to the long-term goals of the team.
My Prediction: Smith will play well against Detroit. He’ll continue to push the ball down field as much as possible, and will cut down on the turnovers. Expect a line of 22-34 for 262 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.