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Grading the Washington Football Team’s playoff performance vs. Tampa Bay

By Ken Johannesen

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - JANUARY 09: Defensive end Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team talks to the team during warm ups during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on January 09, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - JANUARY 09: Defensive end Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team talks to the team during warm ups during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on January 09, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – JANUARY 09: Quarterback Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Football Team scrambles while being chased by linebacker Kevin Minter #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2nd quarter of the playoff game at FedExField on January 09, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – JANUARY 09: Quarterback Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Football Team scrambles while being chased by linebacker Kevin Minter #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2nd quarter of the playoff game at FedExField on January 09, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Grades and Evaluations

Offense

Playoff Game:  The offense was the most proficient it has been in many weeks.  However, the rushing attack never materialized and that was part of Washington’s downfall Saturday night.  Taylor Heinicke was an unknown two weeks ago and now he is being celebrated after an inspirational performance (26-of-44, 306 yards, one amazing rushing touchdown).

2020 Season:  It was a struggle most of the way, but this unit never gave up.  Many issues and nagging deficiencies need to be addressed in the offseason.

Key players on offense for 2020 include Terry McLaurin, Brandon Scherff, J.D. McKissic, Chase Roullier, Logan Thomas, and Antonio Gibson.

Game Grade: B

Season Grade: D

Related Story. 10 thoughts on Washington's loss vs. Tampa Bay. light

Defense

Playoff Game:  Unfortunately, The Washington Football Team defense had their worst outing of the season and they had no answer for the power of Tom Brady and Tampa Bay.  The defensive line was overwhelmed.  The linebackers were dominated.  The secondary was abused.  We could be talking about a much different outcome if the defense would’ve performed on a level that we have seen in 2020.

2020 Season:  It is said that defense wins games and that sentiment proved to be true throughout the season.  This unit will only get better in the years to come.  This defense emerged to be one of the best in the NFL.

Key players on defense for 2020 include Daron Payne, Kamren Curl, Chase Young, Cole Holcomb, Montez Sweat, Kendall Fuller, Jon Allen, and Ronald Darby.

Game Grade: F

Season Grade: B-

Special Teams

Playoff Game: Tress Way had a fairly good game once again and Dustin Hopkins enjoyed another perfect game.  Steven Sims (punt returns) made some poor judgments on a couple of punts and Danny Johnson (kick returns) had just one kick return – a nifty gem for 31 yards.

2020 Season:  Tress Way continued to impress in 2020 and is clearly one of the best punters in the league.  Dustin Hopkins had some shaky outings, but he was solid in the latter portions of the season.  The return unit needs work.

Game Grade: B

Season Grade: B-

Coaching

Playoff Game:  The offense was well prepared and played one of their better games of the season.  The rushing attack was severely limited.  The defense was atrocious and was woefully under-prepared.  Special teams did a fine job overall, but the punt returner was guilty of poor decisions.

2020 Season:  The coaching staff deserves much more credit than we may realize.  There has been a definite culture change and that bodes well for the future.  The Washington Football Team finished the season with a 7-10 record (playoffs included), but that is better than most analysts and pundits expected.  There is a lot to address this offseason, but the coaching staff has this team on the right track.

Game Grade: C-

Season Grade: B

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