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Grading the Washington Football Team’s Week 16 performance vs. Panthers

By Ken Johannesen

Dec 27, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team players walk off the field after their game against the Carolina Panthers at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team players walk off the field after their game against the Carolina Panthers at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) prepares to pass the ball as Carolina Panthers strong safety Juston Burris (31) defends in the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) prepares to pass the ball as Carolina Panthers strong safety Juston Burris (31) defends in the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 16 Grades and Evaluations

Offense

The offense was lost with Dwayne Haskins under center.  His ineptness put the Washington Football Team in a very deep hole that it could not overcome in the end.

When Taylor Heinicke entered at quarterback, the offense was suddenly on fire and they were a completely different unit.  If it wasn’t for a controversial holding penalty, it’s possible (and quite likely) the game would’ve been decided in overtime.  There were solid contributions from the tight end, running backs, offensive line, and at quarterback when Heinicke entered the game.

Key players on offense from Sunday’s game include Logan Thomas, J.D. McKissic, Cornelius Lucas, Antonio Gibson, and Chase Roullier.

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Grade: D

Defense

The defense received no gifts from the offense during most of the 2020 season and that includes the Panthers game on Sunday.  Defensive pressure up front did limit Carolina quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to less than 200 yards passing, but his mobility and the diversity of Curtis Samuel caused the defense plenty of fits in the first half.

The defense clamped down in the second half and held Carolina scoreless, but the offense came up just short once again.  Key players on defense from Sunday’s game include Kamren Curl, Chase Young, Cole Holcomb, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Ronald Darby.

Grade: B-

Special Teams

Tress Way had a solid afternoon.  Dustin Hopkins was perfect against the Panthers. Steven Sims (punt returns) fumbled a punt that rolled into the end zone and a Carolina player snagged an easy six points.  Danny Johnson (kick returns) had another subpar game.

Grade: D+

Coaching

At what point will the coaches be able to convince the players that the first half is just as important as the second half?  The defense hears that message and makes the right adjustments.  The offense could’ve enjoyed a better second half if a quarterback change had been made at that juncture. The kickers were very good, but the returners were horrible.

Washington is very fortunate to be playing in a very weak division at this time of the year, but the coaches and players need to be at their absolute best for the season finale Sunday evening.

Grade: F

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