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Washington Football Team: Five bold predictions vs. Seahawks

By Jacob Camenker

Oct 18, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; A view of the back of the helmet of Washington Football Team linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (51) before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; A view of the back of the helmet of Washington Football Team linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (51) before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 07: J.D. McKissic #41 of the Washington Football Team looks to gain yardage during the second half 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: J.D. McKissic #41 of the Washington Football Team looks to gain yardage during the second half of their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 07, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

5. Washington held to under 40 rushing yards

The Seahawks defense has been very strong against the run this year. They rank fourth in the league and are allowing just 95.5 yards on the ground per game.

Washington, meanwhile, has relied on their run game to help them move the ball, but Antonio Gibson (toe) is dealing with an injury that will render him doubftul for the game against the Seahawks. Without Gibson, Washington will have to rely on J.D. McKissic and Peyton Barber to carry the load.

McKissic and Barber have gotten the job done recently. The two complement each other well, with McKissic possessing more dynamic playmaking ability and pass-catching prowess while Barber always falls forward in short-yardage and goal-line opportunities. That said, they will have issues against stronger run defenses, as neither is a true three-down back.

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The matchup with the Seahawks isn’t a good one for McKissic or Barber. In particular, Barber should struggle to move the ball against a strong, fast defensive line and one of the best three-man linebacker groups in football. While McKissic will stand a shot at making some plays, he too will mostly be stifled on the ground and will have to do his  damage through the air.

It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Washington total 40 or fewer rushing yards on the day. They may have trouble moving the ball on the ground, and if they have to go blow-for-blow with a good Seahawks offense, they may have to try throwing the ball more to do so.

Getting at least a little something out of the run game will be helpful for Washington, but don’t expect them to move the ball at will without Gibson in this matchup.

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