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Grading Washington Football Team’s Week 14 performance vs. 49ers

By Ken Johannesen

Dec 13, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young (99) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young (99) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young (99) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young (99) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 14 grades and evaluations

Offense

The offense did just enough to win the game – or not lose the game.  The leading receiver contributed 43 yards.  The leading rusher gained 68 yards.  The offensive line actually did a fine job.

Opposing defenses have learned that double-teaming Terry McLaurin is an effective strategy and the offense is suffering without Antonio Gibson in the lineup.  Dwayne Haskins didn’t commit any major errors, but he struggled on Sunday.

Key players from the 49ers game include the offensive line, J.D. McKissic, and Logan Thomas.

Grade: C-

Defense

The defense was nothing short of incredible.  How about dominant?  How about a stone wall that can’t be toppled?  How about an unmovable force?  The defense came into Desert Southwest hoping to turn up the Arizona heat on Sunday against the 49ers and melt their season into fool’s gold.

The Washington defense won this game and it is the first time since 1992 that Washington won a game without the offense scoring a touchdown.

Opposing offenses are going to be dealing with this defensive juggernaut for many years to come.  WFT fans will be treated to a unit that is one of the best over the coming years. Here are some stats from Sunday’s game.

More from Riggo's Rag

  • One interception (a 76-yard pick-six)
  • San Francisco tight ends limited to 33 total yards
  • 11 pass deflections, including four behind the line of scrimmage
  • 12 quarterback hits
  • Five tackles for lost yardage
  • San Francisco went 4-15 on third-down conversions and 0-1 on fourth-down conversions

Friends, that is taking it to the heart of an NFC champion on the road.

The 49ers offensive unit was overwhelmed by a relentless Washington defense.  To their credit, the 49ers were able to move the ball somewhat in the first quarter and a bit more in the fourth quarter.  However, the defense was stellar when the WFT needed it the most.

Grade: A

Special Teams

Tress Way enjoyed another solid game on Sunday.  He averaged just under 50 yards a punt, including a long of 58 yards.  Dustin Hopkins connected on field goals of 51, 31, and 21 yards.  There were no kickoff returns as each kick sailed into the end zone.

Steven Sims had two very good punt returns (22 and 14 yards).  The special teams unit continues to be a shining beacon for the WFT and their contributions this season have been nothing short of solid.

Grade: A

Coaching

The offense sputtered along, but they did just enough to secure a victory.  The defense carried the day and without their big plays, the results would’ve been different.  The team needs to find an answer for the sudden shortcomings on offense, but a victory is still a victory.  The special teams unit provided the WFT with another solid outing.  Overall, the coaches had this team prepared and the players outmuscled a very good football team.

Grade: B

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