Washington Football Team inconsistent in both phases vs. Bengals
By Ian Cummings
There have been moments of clarity for the Washington Football Team, but two quarters into the Bengals game, it’s still an open verdict as to whether Washington is the better team.
Two quarters into the Washington Football Team‘s Week 11 showdown with Zac Taylor, Joe Burrow, and the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington trails 7-9. Washington is well within the confines of contention today, but it remains to be seen who can outlast who with two more quarters to play.
The Washington Football Team didn’t start out completely flat, but it still failed to score points on the opening drive, marking the tenth straight time this season Washington has reached that unenviable milestone. Scott Turner managed to engineer a touchdown drive the next time around, but overall, the offense was ineffective, and miscues by players like Morgan Moses, Logan Thomas, and Alex Smith prevented the unit from settling in.
On defense, Washington championed a bend-don’t-break philosophy; it’s clear that Washington still has to shore up both its front seven and its coverage unit, but Washington’s young players also showed an ability to make plays when necessary. This truth was emphasized by Chase Young‘s crucial forced fumble on the goal line on fourth down early on. Joe Burrow looked to be on his way in, but Young shut him off, and gave Washington the ball back.
The Bengals did end up scoring later on, courtesy of a precise strike to A.J. Green, but Randy Bullock missed the point-after, leaving the Washington Football Team with a one-point lead. Washington is in a unique situation where, despite falling far behind in the time-of-possession battle, they remain competitive. Now, in the second half, they’ll look to capitalize on that good luck, and take a stance of authority against Cincinnati.
Next. Three keys to victory for WFT vs. Bengals. dark
The Eagles have laid an egg thus far today against the Cleveland Browns, so if Washington wins today, there’s a good chance they rise up to a half-game out of the NFC East lead. Can they rise to the occasion, or will an inability to convert render them 2-8? Time will tell, but if Washington loses this one, their chances of playoff contention will become even more miniscule.