Washington Football Team Halftime Takeaways: Offense failing defense

Halftime takeaways from Washington Football Team vs. Steelers.

The Washington Football Team played hard on defense in the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but at halftime, they trail 14-3. And that’s because the team’s offense is letting the defense down.

On the first three possessions of the game, the Washington defense played very well. The first two drives, they were able to force three-and-outs. That included tackling Eric Ebron just short of the third-down marker on one occasion and repeatedly swarming on running plays. On the third drive, they were able to stop the Steelers after allowing a 30-yard completion.

The triage of Cole Holcomb, Daron Payne, and Montez Sweat looked good setting the edge and attacking the run. Payne also had a huge batted pass that nearly resulted in an interception for Washington. They are proving to be a crucial group of players for Washington and if they keep progressing, they will certainly help the team’s defense to realize its full potential.

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Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of the offense. Once again, they failed to get going early. Sure, they had a nice completion to Terry McLaurin on the first play of the day and Antonio Gibson ripped off a nice run, but aside from that, there weren’t many positives.

Both Isaiah Wright and Steven Sims dropped potential first-down catches. Gibson left the game with a toe injury and was doubtful to return. Alex Smith took a couple of hard hits, including one on a sack from Robert Spillane and after the Steelers TD, Washington took 10 yards worth of penalties without even snapping the ball.

The team also had a trick play called on offense deep in their own territory on fourth-and-one. Logan Thomas lined up under center and handed it to J.D. McKissic who go crushed in the background on the jet sweep. The play was actually a good, creative call. It just was not the best time to use it and Dontrelle Inman completely whiffed on the block he needed to make to have the play succeed.

In totality, the unit didn’t take advantage of the opportunities that the defense gave them. That has been something that has happened far too often and it’s why the team needs to focus on upgrading their offense during the 2021 offseason.

Without the offense helping them out, the defense eventually bent and broke. They did have an excellent goal-line stand where Chase Young made a big-time stop to force the turnover, but just a few plays later, after a three-and-out and Pittsburgh getting the ball at the 50-yard-line, they allowed James Washington to go for a big touchdown.

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That’s why the Steelers are out in front. Their offense has actually been able to move the ball against a good defense. Washington hasn’t, and leaving their defense on the field so much has cost them.

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