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Washington Football Team is converting positive culture into team identity

By Tim Meek

Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera (left) greets his players before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera (left) greets his players before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 25: Logan Thomas #82 of the Washington Football Team celebrates after gaining a first down against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at FedExField on October 25, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 25: Logan Thomas #82 of the Washington Football Team celebrates after gaining a first down against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at FedExField on October 25, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Building the right way

The free-agent class this year was unheralded and brought with it criticism from fans as the WFT had a large amount of cap space available to sign players.  As fans, we’ve been programmed to get excited for the big-name players.

But that was the old way. This regime brought in what has proven to be the best free-agent class in my recent memory.  Many of these guys are starting and playing at a high level, Ronald Darby, Logan Thomas, JD McKissic, Kevin Pierre-Lewis, Wes Schweitzer, Cornelius Lucas, Peyton Barber, and Kyle Allen (acquired via trade).

To spotlight one key player from the free agent class, let’s take a look at Thomas. Logan was signed by Washington at a price tag of $6 million over two years.  Coming into 2020, the tight end was a glaring need that wasn’t addressed via the draft.

Many fans, including myself, were hoping the WFT would be able to sign Austin Hooper as he was the prized free-agent tight end available.  The WFT was interested in Hooper, but they had a number in mind and they refused to go over it.  Hooper eventually signed with the Browns at $44 million over four years.

Here’s the 2020 comparison between Hooper and Thomas this year:

Hooper:  30 rec, 286 yds, 9.5 ypc, two TDs

Thomas:  49 rec, 469 yds, 9.6 ypc, five TDs

Sure, it’s one year, but let’s take it a bit further.  Here are the career averages of Jordan Reed vs the projected season totals for Thomas this year:

Reed:  55 rec, 5 TD, 10 ypc

Thomas: 57 rec, 7 TD, 10 ypc

Thomas has not only been productive and reliable, but he’s been incredibly versatile and proven to be an adequate blocker.  A savvy move by a team historically not known for such.

So what does this positive culture create?  In the short-term, it helped create some winning.  That’s been fun.  But what we are witnessing extends far beyond wins and losses in 2020.

Next. Haskins must show growth vs. Seahawks. dark

Coach Rivera and company are establishing an IDENTITY, something that’s been missing since Joe Gibbs and the Glory Years of Washington Football.  Enjoy the ride.

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