Washington Football Team studs and duds from Week 16 loss vs. Panthers

Washington Football Team QB Taylor Heinicke. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team QB Taylor Heinicke. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 27: Logan Thomas #82 of the Washington Football Team catches a pass against Donte Jackson #26 of the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at FedExField on December 27, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 27: Logan Thomas #82 of the Washington Football Team catches a pass against Donte Jackson #26 of the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at FedExField on December 27, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Stud No. 5 – TE Logan Thomas

Logan Thomas is starting to appear on the “Studs” list more and more this season. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.

In the Washington Football Team’s Week 16 loss, Thomas had seven catches for 63 yards, and he made a few key receptions, particularly late in the game with Taylor Heinicke at quarterback. On one play late in the fourth, Washington needed to get a first down. Thomas caught the ball in space behind the line, then turned upfield and leapt into the air, falling over defenders as he crossed the first-down marker.

Thomas’ effort punctuates his game, but in reality, he’s developed into a well-rounded tight end this season. So far in 2020, Thomas has 69 catches for 633 yards and five touchdowns. Before the year, he was at best a TE2, but he’s grown into a solid TE1, who might only need a complimentary piece at the position in 2021.

There were some moments of inconsistency earlier in the year, but we’ve gotten to the point where we can expect Thomas to be a solid contributor week in and week out, and we can also count on him to give the team a fighting chance in contested situations. The growth, at this point, is tangible, and it’s exciting to wonder if he has one or two more peak years left in the tank.