Washington Football Team: Three takeaways from win vs. 11-0 Steelers

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 07: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Football Team looks to pass during the first quarter of their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 07, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 07: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Football Team looks to pass during the first quarter of their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 07, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 07: Logan Thomas #82 of the Washington Football Team looks to gain yardage during the second quarter of their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 07, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 07: Logan Thomas #82 of the Washington Football Team looks to gain yardage during the second quarter of their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 07, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

No. 3 – Washington’s 2020 free agent class is a clear victory

For much of the 2020 season, there have been flashes from the Washington Football Team’s 2020 free agent class. The group was at first lamented, viewed as an assortment of bargain-bin players who ultimately wouldn’t contribute much. But today, a few free agents were crucial in Washington’s victory, and proved their true worth.

Tight end Logan Thomas had perhaps the best game of his career, catching nine passes for 98 yards and a score, while also securing a fumble that could have served as a momentum swing for Pittsburgh. J.D. McKissic had 10 catches for 70 yards, and routinely moved the chains for a Washington offense that would have been stuck in the mud without him.

On defense, Kevin Pierre-Louis had a tackle for loss, and Ronald Darby remained steadfast in coverage, his efforts culminating in a key pass deflection on the second-to-last play of the game. The least impressive free agent on the day might have been the most expensive — Kendall Fuller — but he too rallied late in a defensive stand that rocked the nation.

The Washington Football Team is 5-7 and very much alive in the NFC East race, and while there were other players who stood out, they owe a lot of it to their 2020 free agent class. The days of Bruce Allen seem to be relics of the past. Washington is truly getting more, for less money.