Three keys to victory for the Washington Football Team vs. Bengals

3. Impact plays on defense

This Washington Football Team defense is good, but not elite yet. To take its next step in its development towards that it must make impact plays. As the offense finds its footing with Alex Smith at the helm, the defense must help it out and make impact plays.

Force more pressure, get more sacks, and force turnovers. Against the Lions, the Washington Football Team scored 21 unanswered points to tie the game at 24-24 midway through the fourth quarter. Then, the defense allowed the Lions to go and score a field goal. It was not backbreaking, but it allowed the Lions to regain some life.

For this defense to be as good as it wants to be, in a situation like that it must take over. Force a turnover and go win the game. Or at least force a punt. This front office has invested a lot of resources into its defense, especially on the defensive line. The head coach for that matter is a former defensive coordinator.

The defense needs to make more impact plays and finish games. Go win your team the ballgame. Force a rookie quarterback, albeit a really good one, to make rookie mistakes.

If the Washington Football Team starts fast, dominates the line of scrimmage, and makes impact plays on defense it sets itself up well to get a crucial victory against the Cincinnati Bengals.