Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Analyzing just how good the Washington Football Team’s defense is

By Jonathan Eig

Nov 26, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; The Washington Football Team defense celebrate a touchdown scored by defensive end Montez Sweat (90) against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; The Washington Football Team defense celebrate a touchdown scored by defensive end Montez Sweat (90) against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Oct 27, 2019; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) at the line of scrimmage with center Jason Kelce (62) and offensive guard Brandon Brooks (79) in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2019; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) at the line of scrimmage with center Jason Kelce (62) and offensive guard Brandon Brooks (79) in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington has been helped by the NFC East

The first thing to realize is that the most important reason Washington is in the hunt for the NFC East title this season has nothing whatsoever to do with Washington. Washington – at 4-7, and with multiple question marks up and down its offense – may make the playoffs this season because the two favorites to win the division were utterly devastated by injuries to their offensive lines.

Philadelphia was supposed to line up this season with Andre Dillard and Lane Johnson at tackle, Brandon Brooks and Isaac Seumalo at guard, and Jason Kelce at center. Brooks, perhaps the best guard in the NFL, was lost before the season began. So was Dillard, a solid young player who was slotted to take over for the aging Jason Peters at left tackle.

Johnson, one of the league’s best right tackles was in and out of the lineup all season before eventually being placed on IR. Seumalo missed most of the middle of the season. That leaves one player – Kelce – playing consistently this season.

More from Riggo's Rag

Carson Wentz has had a dreadful year. He is responsible for part of that. The fact that the Eagles have failed to address their lack of talent at wide receiver is part of that. But the biggest part is that Wentz has had an inferior line playing in front of him.

Dallas also has played this season without starting tackles Tyron Smith and La’el Collins. Joe Looney, who was slated to take over for retired center Travis Frederick, has missed multiple games. As has their best lineman, guard Zack Martin. Even the back-ups have been going down left and right.

Maybe Dak Prescott would have gotten hurt anyway. And the defense still would have been a train wreck. But with a mostly in-tact offensive line, it’s reasonable to assume that the Cowboys, like the Eagles, would have three or four more wins than they do now.

If that were the case, Washington would not be in contention for a playoff spot and the season would look very different.

Home/Commanders News