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Washington Football Team Reality Checks: Week 16 vs. Panthers

By Tim Payne

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 11: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Football Team throws before a game against the Los Angeles Rams at FedExField on October 11, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 11: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Football Team throws before a game against the Los Angeles Rams at FedExField on October 11, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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Nov 26, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Football Team at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Football Team at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Reality Is, both Haskins and Smith need Antonio Gibson back.

Whether Alex Smith is able to get back on the field this week or Haskins ends up with his second consecutive start, this offense needs the dynamic consistency of Antonio Gibson back in the lineup if it is going to be effective enough to hang onto a playoff berth.

Gibson’s absence has been remarkably damaging to the overall flow of the offense, and the return of the unique blend of speed and power that he brings to the field would be a dramatic boost to the Washington Football Team as they seek to complete their unlikely playoff push.

My Prediction: Gibson’s re-entry into the roster will coincide with the team’s most effective offensive output since the Pittsburgh game, whether that’s this week or next. Look for him to notch 14 carries for over 100 yards if he’s healthy.

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3. The Reality Is, the defensive line has to hit Bridgewater.

This defensive line is built to be aggressive. It’s built to hit the quarterback.

In their loss against Seattle last week, they never managed to keep Russell Wilson out of his rhythm, and they didn’t sack him even one time. It’s not fair to these men that they have to carry the team. But it is their current reality.

With the injuries continuing to mount on an offense that was already under-manned to start the season, the only chance the Washington Football Team has to win games is for their defensive line to be dominant. And there’s no reason to think they can’t be just that against a mediocre Carolina Panthers offense.

My Prediction: The defensive gameplan will be much less conservative than last week, given the opponent. Bridgewater is a fine quarterback, but he’s not Russell Wilson. Jack Del Rio should and will take the handcuffs off his defensive line, and allow them to play an attacking style on Sunday. Expect 4 sacks and two batted passes against the Panthers.

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