Grading Washington Football Team’s performance vs. Bengals in Week 11

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Nov 22, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) catches a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 11 grades and evaluations

Offense

You can’t argue with the results. A victory trumps all and it is what matters, but we will do a bit of nitpicking here anyway.

The two-headed rushing attack of Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic was superb and the coaches should’ve called their names a few times more during the game, but they did carry the day. Terry McLaurin continues to amaze. His catches at three different moments in the game directly led to 17 points being scored. That is the margin of victory.

The makeshift offensive line was solid and Alex Smith did just enough as a game manager to carry Washington to victory. Logan Thomas had a surprise quarterback sneak to keep the first touchdown drive alive.

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Grade: B-

Defense

The defense was truly outclassed in the first half and the WFT was fortunate to be down by only two points at halftime. The defense was able to improve in the second half after the unfortunate injury to Burrow. From that moment to the end of the game, the defense took charge and was able to keep the game out of reach.

The defensive line started to feast in the third quarter and they dominated at that juncture. However, that unit was outplayed by Cincinnati’s offensive line in the first half.

Ronald Darby had a solid game and Kendall Fuller contributed several key plays. Troy Apke dropped an easy interception and Thomas Davis seems like he is ready to apply for retirement benefits.

Grade: C+

Special Teams

Tress Way placed one punt inside the two-yard line and his legendary status continues to create new chapters each week. Dustin Hopkins missed wide right once again on a short field goal attempt late in the fourth quarter, but he did nail a key 50-yarder earlier in the second half. The punt and kick returns were not anything to talk about, but there were no glaring mistakes to mention.

Grade: B-

Coaching

The coaches had no answers in the first half. That is a familiar theme, but Cincinnati (a 2-6-1 team) had some difficulties as well and the game was tight at halftime. The offense improved in the second half and the defense played better, but only after an injury to the starting quarterback took him out of the game. It’s not the most inspiring victory, but the adjustments were made and it is the Burgundy and Gold celebrating today.

One nifty call on offense stands out – the quarterback sneak (using the tight end) to keep the first touchdown drive alive. One good adjustment came on the defensive line. Like last week, the Bengals running backs were very effective for the first two and a half quarters. The front four clamped down yet again and helped to create another comeback.

Grade: C+

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