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Washington Football Team: Studs and duds from Week 11 win over Bengals

By Jacob Camenker

Nov 22, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 13: Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Football Team warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on September 13, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 13: Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Football Team warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on September 13, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Washington Football Team Dud: Dropped interceptions

There are a few things that simply cannot happen if you want to win at the NFL level. One of those things is lose the turnover battle. While Washington didn’t do that on Sunday — they actually won 2-1 — they squandered some opportunities to make big plays on the defensive side of the ball.

Notably, there were two passes that the defense flat-out dropped that could’ve made an impact for Washington. Ultimately, they didn’t swing the outcome of the game, but they certainly could have in a closer affair.

The first drop occurred in the end-zone when Ronald Darby jumped a route and got his hands on the ball. Darby wasn’t able to secure the ball and as a result, the Bengals had a few more shots at the end-zone.

Ultimately, the Bengals were stopped on fourth down and Washington was able to force a fumble and a touchback. However, had Darby caught the catchable ball, Washington would’ve guaranteed that they wouldn’t allow points. That’s something that definitely could have impacted this game.

Later, Troy Apke had a ball fly right into his hands with nobody around for what should have been an easy pick. He flubbed it and it ended up falling harmlessly to the turf. That play was very disappointing, as Apke would’ve had some space to return it, but he couldn’t secure it.

Again, these plays didn’t ultimately impact the outcome of this game, but in a closer contest, they could have. Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio will surely be focused on addressing these shortcomings with their defense even during the short week. Simply put, if the team can force turnovers, they have to take advantage of the opportunity to do so.

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