Washington Football Team studs and duds from Week 10 loss

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 15: Cam Sims #89 of the Washington Football Team reacts following a first down during their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 15, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 15: Cam Sims #89 of the Washington Football Team reacts following a first down during their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 15, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 15: Marvin Jones #11 of the Detroit Lions catches a touchdown pass against Kendall Fuller #29 of the Washington Football Team during their game at Ford Field on November 15, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 15: Marvin Jones #11 of the Detroit Lions catches a touchdown pass against Kendall Fuller #29 of the Washington Football Team during their game at Ford Field on November 15, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

Dud No. 1 – CB Kendall Fuller

Kendall Fuller has been advertised as a top defensive back in the NFL by the Washington Football Team, and at his best, he’s certainly lived up to that billing. But Week 10’s game against the Lions might have been Fuller’s worst showing of the 2020 season.

Fuller contributed to two long Detroit passing touchdowns, and one was his fault alone. On the first score, Fuller committed a pass interference penalty and then lost his balance, leaving Marvin Hall wide open down the field for a score. On the second, a miscommunication between Fuller, now lined up at safety, and Jimmy Moreland led to Marvin Jones Jr. finding pay dirt.

If Washington’s defense is going to live up to its potential and turn its statistical success into actual consistency, then the team’s best players, like Fuller, have to show up day in and day out. That isn’t optional, and if Fuller isn’t at that level yet, then Washington shouldn’t be anywhere near the NFC East playoff race.