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Grading the Washington Football Team’s Week 17 performance vs. Eagles

By Ken Johannesen

Jan 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera before action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera before action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith (11) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith (11) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 17 Grades and Evaluations

Offense

It wasn’t perfect, but they did just enough.  The first half was quite good, to be honest, and the second half was a struggle.  Most of the struggles came from Alex Smith and his obvious lack of mobility.  Antonio Gibson chipped in with some key rushes while Terry McLaurin bravely soldiered on through a nagging injury.  Logan Thomas corralled an impressive catch for a touchdown in the first half.

Key players on offense from Sunday’s game include J.D. McKissic, Cornelius Lucas, Chase Roullier, Alex Smith, and Peyton Barber.

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Grade: C+

Defense

The defense had their difficulties in the first half yet again and Philadelphia’s mobile quarterback proved to be quite the challenge.  In the second half, the defense put up quite the fight and basically put up a brick wall against the Eagles offense.  Here are some stats for you to gush over.

  • Two interceptions
  • Five pass deflections
  • Three sacks
  • Three tackles for lost yardage
  • Nine quarterback hits
  • One fumble recovery

Most of these stats occurred in the second half and it fueled the team to a division championship.

Key players on defense from Sunday’s game include Kamren Curl, Chase Young, Cole Holcomb, Montez Sweat, Jon Bostic, and Jeremy Reaves.

Grade: C+

Special Teams

Tress Way had a fairly good game, but it was the leg of Dustin Hopkins that was perfect against the Eagles. Steven Sims (punt returns) fumbled another punt and was very fortunate to recover it.  Danny Johnson (kick returns) had just one kick return for 22 yards.

Grade: B-

Coaching

The first half offense was good.  The first half defense struggled.  The second half offense struggled.  The second-half defense was superb.

Some continuity would be nice.  A quarterback change in the second half was sorely needed.  The returners need to limit mental errors, especially with the playoffs coming.

The Washington Football Team needs to play better.  It’s no longer an easy schedule in the playoffs. Playing complete games and competing at a higher level is the only option if they are to advance in the post-season.

Grade: C

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