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Washington Football Team Week 17 Reality Checks vs. Eagles

By Tim Payne

Sep 20, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera signals against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera signals against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team rushes for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 26, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team rushes for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 26, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

3. The Reality Is, Scott Turner has to stick with the running game.

Antonio Gibson hasn’t been fully healthy for a full game since his massive breakout game on Thanksgiving. In that game, he notched 20 carries for 115 yards and three touchdowns, plus another five receptions.

Gibson is averaging over six yards per carry over his last four games. If Washington is going to win on Sunday and have any chance of pulling off a home upset in the first round of the playoffs, Scott Turner needs to stay committed to getting Gibson the ball. Especially with Terry McLaurin hobbled, there’s no excuse to not maximize his usage of Gibson, who would be the biggest offensive threat on the field if McLaurin isn’t 100%.

Philadelphia has a below-average rush defense, but has managed to shut down some quality rushing attacks. Turner will need to stay patient and consistent in his play-calling and maintain a commitment to the running game to give Washington their best chance to win on Sunday.

My Prediction: Gibson steps up, again, on the big stage of a national television game against a division opponent, forcing Turner to keep feeding him the ball. Gibson ends up with 20 carries for 108 yards and two touchdowns.

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