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Washington Football Team Reality Checks – Week 15 vs. Seahawks

By Tim Payne

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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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Football Team drops back to pass against the defense of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Football Team drops back to pass against the defense of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3. The Reality Is, Dwayne Haskins should have started even if Alex was mostly recovered.

Injured Alex Smith looked horrible on Sunday against San Fransisco. He was wildly inaccurate and  antsy in the pocket. And after one decent drive, Dwayne Haskins somehow managed to look worse. So conventional wisdom would be to put Smith back in if at all possible.

But even if Smith was at 90%, it would be better to play Haskins and hope for an unexpectedly quality start from him. Sure, you most likely lose this game, but you give Smith a chance to be healthy for the two season-closing must-wins in winnable games.

Washington can’t afford to lose against Carolina or Philadelphia the next two weeks, so to give Smith the chance to fully heal is likely the smartest route to the postseason. And maybe, just maybe, Haskins steps up and helps steal a win against Seattle.

My Prediction: Haskins will look streaky, with a few solid drives, and an otherwise rough outing. Look for his line to be 11-18 for 220 yards, 1 INT, 1 TD, and 4 sacks. But at least Alex will get the extra week of rest.

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