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Washington Football Team Reality Checks: Wild Card weekend vs. Buccaneers

By Tim Payne

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 03: Defensive end Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team reacts after winning 20-14 over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 03, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 03: Defensive end Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team reacts after winning 20-14 over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 03, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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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) /

4. The Reality Is, Antonio Gibson and Chase Young can make history.

As the two best rookies in the playoffs this year, Young and Gibson have the opportunity to carry their team to victory.

Gibson has the skillset to take over a game offensively (like he did against Dallas on Thanksgiving). Scott Turner may be forced to design the offense around his rookie running back if the passing attack is as severely limited by Alex Smith’s calf and Terry McLaurin’s ankle as they were against the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad on Sunday.

If so, Gibson might be Washington’s best (only) chance at significant offensive production.

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Given the likelihood of a run-heavy offensive gameplan, Washington is going to need a historic effort from their defense in order to have a chance against the Bucs and their prolific offense. And if that is going to happen, it will have to start with a performance from Chase Young that ranks among the best individual performances in Washington Football playoff history.

My Prediction: Once in a while, there’s a player who transcends their own talent level and out-performs even the highest of expectations. Chase Young is that type of player. He’ll have a game against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers that Washington Football fans won’t soon forget.

Young will keep Washington in the game with his relentless energy and dominating physical presence. Expect “special” from Chase Young on Saturday.

As for Gibson, I think he’s up to the challenge as well, but I don’t think the offensive line will open up enough holes for a true breakout game for him.

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