Washington Football Team: The entire offense needs to Put up its Dukes

The offense for the Washington Football Team has increased its productivity over the past five games. On Monday, they’ll face their stiffest test of the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers and their No.1 scoring defense.

Fans, players, and coaches of the Washington Football Team had a lot to be thankful for after a 41-16 shellacking over the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. In the most viewed game of the NFL season, Washington dominated their rival.

The defense limited Dallas’ offense to just 247 yards of total offense and 13 first downs. They also recorded four sacks and their only defensive touchdown of the season with an impressive 15-yard interception return by defensive end Montez Sweat.

Antonio Gibson joined elite company with his 115 rushing yards and three touchdowns, becoming the first rookie since Randy Moss to score three touchdowns on Thanksgiving. Gibson also became the first running back since the iconic Barry Sanders to rush for three touchdowns on Thanksgiving. Washington will face their most imposing challenge of the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers though.

The Steelers lead the league in several key defensive statistics. Pittsburgh is first in sacks, turnovers, points allowed, passing yards allowed, and first downs allowed. The Steelers are also eighth against the run. However, they’ve uncharacteristically allowed 5.2 yards per rush the past three games.

Offensive coordinator Scott Turner needs to be consistent with his playcalling. Washington can ill-afford a situation where Alex Smith is dropping back 30-40 times against the vaunted Steelers’ pass rush.

Offensively, the Washington Football Team will have their work cut out for them. Outside of second-year player Terry McLaurin and rookie Antonio Gibson, Washington lacks the horses on offense. The Steelers will unquestionably make a concerted effort to limit those two. Despite the attention, both McLaurin and Gibson should be featured heavily in the gameplan.

This is a game where Washington will need their complimentary options to step up. Guys like J.D. McKissic, Logan Thomas, and both Steven and Cam Sims need to produce at a high level when their number is called. The offensive line led by Morgan Moses and Brandon Scherff has played well the past five games. However, they’ll need to play their best game of the season if Washington is to have any hopes of even moving the football against Pittsburgh.

Mike Tomlin’s squad will more than likely be without starting running back James Conner and center Maurkice Pouncey for the second straight game, as both players remain on the COVID-19 list. The Steelers are also dealing with injuries on both sides of the ball. Cornerback Steven Nelson is doubtful with a knee injury. Bud Dupree was lost for the season to a torn ACL versus Baltimore. Ben Roethlisberger was also listed on the injury report with a knee injury. Despite the designation, Roethlisberger has a decorated history of playing hurt.

Although they’re playing on a short week and dealing with a plethora of injuries, Pittsburgh is undoubtedly the better team. If the Washington Football Team is to spoil the Pittsburgh Steelers’ perfect season, they’ll need to play complementary football and win the battle in the trenches on both sides of the ball. More importantly, they’ll need to play mistake-free football. If Washington does those three things, they’ll be able to keep pace in the NFC East race.