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Washington Football Team: Five bold predictions vs. Bengals in Week 11

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team reacts as he runs onto the field before a game against the New York Giants at FedExField on November 08, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team reacts as he runs onto the field before a game against the New York Giants at FedExField on November 08, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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Nov 8, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith (11) attempts a pass against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith (11) attempts a pass against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Alex Smith throws for over 300 yards again, two TDs

In the last two weeks, Alex Smith has thrown for over 300 yards and against the Lions, he set a career-high with 390. Incredibly, it also marked the first time that he had ever logged back-to-back 390-yard passing games. He had come close at times during his 15-year career, but he had never done it until last week.

Smith should continue his streak in Week 11 against the Bengals. Cincinnati is allowing 265.1 passing yards per game this season, good for the seventh-most in the NFL, so they can be beaten downfield. Smith should continue to attack this weakness, make smart decisions, and help the Washington offense to move the ball downfield.

Smith is playing very well right now. He’s finding open checkdowns, per usual, but he is also making some solid plays in the intermediate range of the field thanks to Terry McLaurin and Cam Sims.

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Also, it’s notable that Smith has been releasing the ball relatively quickly in the pocket. That will be important since Washington is down two of their top three tackles in this game, so Smith’s ability to release the ball, avoid mistakes, and get the ball in the hands of his playmakers will allow him to continue to rack up some passing yards against the Bengals.

Given the favorable matchup, Smith’s rapport with his weapons, and the fact that Washington will probably have to throw quite a bit to keep pace with Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense, Smith should have a chance to post another 300+ yard passing game. He’ll also set a season-high in TDs by tossing a couple through the air.

This would an incredible achievement for Smith after his improbable comeback from a brutal leg injury he suffered just over two years ago. Few thought Smith would return to the field — let alone, start — so if he could post three consecutive 300-yard passing games for the first time in his career, this would certainly deserve some recognition.

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