One word that best describes the 2020 Washington Football Team

Here is one word that sums up the Washington Football Team’s season.

When trying to think of one word to describe the Washington Football Team. One immediately came to mind. Resilient. They are one of the most resilient teams I have ever watched. This team, at, multiple points in the season, had every reason to fold. They never did.

It does not take long to find what makes this team so resilient. Look no further than the head coach and the starting quarterback.

When Ron Rivera accepted the job right at the start of 2020, his vision for this year probably looked a lot different than how his first year went. However, as 2020 goes, expect the unexpected.

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Before Rivera even coached in his first game, the entire world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was forced to install his culture and coaching plan via Zoom. Then, the team was forced to retire its long-standing name, there were multiple articles from the Washington Post detailing sexual harassment scandals surrounding the team, the team had ownership turmoil, and he was diagnosed with cancer. All before he even coached in a game.

Then, during the season, Rivera underwent chemotherapy for seven weeks. In some games at halftime he received IVs to help him finish the game. During the Ravens loss, for most of the second half, he just sat on the bench in pure exhaustion.

To make matters even more complicated, a quarterback carousel ensued after Rivera benched Dwayne Haskins. He had to play four different quarterbacks this year due to poor play and injuries to Alex Smith and Kyle Allen.

Rivera had every reason to back down and give up. But he did not. His resilience rubbed off on his football team, as they were one of the best second-half teams in football and they overcame multiple double-digit deficits on the season.

Now, for the starting quarterback. Alex Smith. You have heard his incredible comeback story multiple times I am sure. After 17 surgeries, being close to amputation due to spending months in an external fixator and doing rehab at the Center for Intrepid, he made his comeback this season.

Smith had no reason, other than his love for football, to play this season. Smith is the embodiment of a resilient football player. Again, it has rubbed off to the rest of the team. The team loves their starting quarterback, which is evidenced by Chase Young saying “I love me some 11,” multiple times this year.

Alex Smith was clearly not 100 percent against the Eagles. Yet he gutted it out. No, he was not great or even good against the Eagles. But his presence on the field clearly means something. This team believes when Smith is under center.

Smith was not the only one playing hurt against the Eagles. Terry McLaurin played with a high ankle sprain. He had seven catches and caught a crucial touchdown. Antonio Gibson is still dealing with turf toe and manufactured crucial yards. I am sure there were others that have nagging injuries.

Meanwhile, multiple Eagles players sat the game out. Sure, the teams were under different circumstances, but again it is another sign of resiliency and toughness from Washington. And it all stems from seeing Smith give everything he has left this year.

Say what you want about the circumstances surrounding this division title. Yes, the Washington Football Team has a losing record. Yes, Doug Pederson and the Eagles looked like a team that had checked out on the season. Yes, I realize this team still has work to do to become a contender.

But, that does not matter right now. What matters is this team should not be here. They are off the heels of a 2-14 season and an offseason where, as an organization, they hit rock bottom. Then, Rivera is forced to play four different quarterbacks. After Week 10 the Washington Football Team was 2-7.

They could’ve given up. Mailed it in like the Eagles did and play for better draft positioning. Nope. They did not. They proceeded to win five of the last seven games (and go 5-1 with Alex Smith as the starter) and win the NFC East. They became the first team to go from 2-7 to the playoffs.

They are resilient. They are tough. They have grit.

The Washington Football Team took on the identity of their coach and quarterback. In one year, they have created a culture that is worth rooting for. They have set the foundation and established an identity. Work still needs to be done to truly compete. But after years of turmoil, the 2020 Washington Football Team was a welcome change.

The Washington Football Team now gets to face Tom Brady and the Buccaneers on primetime Saturday Night. They earned their shot to take down Tom Brady. They earned it due to their resiliency to keep fighting even when it seemed futile to do so.

Next. Three trades that could upgrade WFT's QB position. dark

Resilient. It is one simple word. But it perfectly sums up the 2020 Washington Football Team.

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