Washington Football Team: Three takeaways from win vs. Bengals
By Ian Cummings
No. 2 – Washington only wins when their opponent is in disarray
I hate to pour cold water on the natural post-victory optimism; Washington Football Team fans have a reason to be happy after the team’s 20-9 win over the Bengals. A win is a win. But quality wins are distinct from wins of fortune, and this was most certainly the latter.
The Bengals, in fact, had control of this game into the second half, up until Joe Burrow left with an injury. Up to that point, Washington’s offense couldn’t move the ball, and Washington’s defense was inevitably breaking against Burrow’s consistency and toughness in the face of pressure. If Burrow stays healthy, there’s a very good chance Cincinnati wins this game.
Now, revisionist history is never a good idea, nor is it a truly accurate reflection of events. The fact is, Burrow left, and Washington properly exploited the situation in the ensuing minutes. But the Washington Football Team didn’t start to exert control until Cincinnati crumbled. And that’s a trend we’ve seen in each of Washington’s three wins.
The Washington Football Team still doesn’t have the ability to create vulnerabilities, or exert control over competent squads. They can only win when the other team is beating itself. And for a Washington squad that so often beats itself anyway, that’s not an inspiring formula in the long run.