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Five positives and negatives for Washington Football Team vs. Steelers

By Ken Johannesen

Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team running back J.D. McKissic (41) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Avery Williamson (51) chases during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Washington won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team running back J.D. McKissic (41) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Avery Williamson (51) chases during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Washington won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 07: Dustin Hopkins #3 of the Washington Football Team kicks a field goal against Cameron Sutton #20 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of their game at Heinz Field on December 07, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 07: Dustin Hopkins #3 of the Washington Football Team kicks a field goal against Cameron Sutton #20 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of their game at Heinz Field on December 07, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Positive 1

We have been really tough on Dustin Hopkins this year and while he deserved some strong scrutiny, the former Florida State kicker connected on all three of his field goal attempts (49, 45, and 45 yards) against the Steelers.  His third field goal came with 17 seconds remaining in the game and Pittsburgh was defeated.

Is Hopkins righting the ship at the most opportune time in the season?  It sure looks that way.

The kickoffs were solid.  The field goals were needed.  Hopkins was definitely a positive in this game and earned the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week nod for his performance.

More from Riggo's Rag

One game doesn’t turn a season around, but it is something he can build on over the last four games of 2020 – and in the playoffs, if the WFT can advance that far.

Negative 1

Last week, it was Ronald Darby.  This week, it is Kendall Fuller.  Quite frankly, he had a poor outing and Washington is fortunate that it wasn’t too costly.

Yes, he was struggling that much against the Steelers.  Fuller was constantly getting beat on short and intermediate routes for much of the game.  He was so ineffective on a 50-yard touchdown catch and run (in the second quarter) to the point of looking very fatigued or disinterested.  Either way, it was disturbing to watch.

Fuller has been a solid cornerback this season and it’s possible that he is dealing with an injury or illness at this time.  As we mentioned with Darby a week earlier, good players can have a bad game once in a while.  Fuller was a negative on Monday, but let’s hope it was temporary.

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