Washington Football Team starts hot, maintains lead despite issues

Even with the Eagles being shorthanded, it wasn’t going to be easy for the Washington Football Team tonight. That much has been made clear in the first two quarters.

At the end of the first half, the Washington Football Team barely leads the Eagles by a score of 17-14. The end result of the half is a stark contrast from the first quarter alone. In the first fifteen minutes, Washington rocketed out to a 10-point lead. But the second quarter went much less swimmingly, and although Washington regained the lead at the end, it unearthed serious concerns that need to be fixed.

Washington’s strong start was accentuated by efficient offense and playmaking defense. Alex Smith started out 9 of 10 for 71 yards and a score, and Scott Turner’s play designs helped spread weapons around the field. On defense, a pick by Kamren Curl led to three points, and at first, the Eagles struggled to attain consistency due to Washington’s tenacity.

In the second quarter, however, things changed. The defense’s solidity was eroded by poor tackling and penalties, and the offense stalled out with back-to-back third-down sacks. The interior line allowed some disruption, but Alex Smith’s limited mobility has also been a clear hindrance.

The Washington Football Team rebounded, but they need to cut down on mistakes on defense, and on offense, Alex Smith has to carry over his strong finish into the second half. He’s very good in structure, but he has trouble maintaining his utility when he experiences adversity. The Eagles have done a decent job in coverage so far, so Smith may have to keep plays alive with pocket manipulation, at the very least.

Additionally, Washington can also better impose its will in the trenches. The defensive linemen have gotten disruption, but they haven’t always converted. On the flip side, Alex Smith needs his linemen to be consistent and locked in. Otherwise, he might be limited in his capacity to maintain this lead. The conclusion of the half brings reason for optimism, but Philadelphia has made it clear that they won’t go quietly.

Can the Washington Football Team make the necessary adjustments in the second half and punch their ticket to the 2020 NFL playoffs? We’ll be on the edge of our seat watching, just like you.