Washington Football Team: Buccaneers show the difference a QB can make
The Washington Football Team is in full-blown offseason mode now, and their search for a quarterback upgrade will be their biggest storyline moving forward.
So far this offseason, Washington has reportedly been in the running for Matthew Stafford and they are sure to be connected to several other quarterbacks as well. As tired as the narrative about the team needing an upgrade at the position is becoming, getting one is the only way for Washington to reach their full potential.
We see it every year. A team lacking quarterback talent adds one to the fold, and, boom. They’re an instant playoff contender. Or Super Bowl contender. And a perfect example of this phenomenon will be on display this Super Bowl Sunday.
Buccaneers are a good blueprint for Washington Football Team to follow
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished the 2019 NFL season with a 7-9 record. As explosive as their quarterback, Jameis Winston, was, he was equally as turnover prone and posted the first 30-TD, 30-INT season in NFL history. The Bucs decided to move on from Winston during the offseason and brought Tom Brady aboard. The change was drastic.
The Bucs managed to log an 11-5 record in 2020, four wins more than they had the previous season. Brady helped to cut down on the team’s turnover total, as he had only 12 interceptions on the year. Incredible, that was Brady’s highest pick total since 2011, but it was still only 40 percent of Winston’s total from the previous season.
Of course, Brady’s arrival isn’t the only reason that the Buccaneers have improved so much. They added Tristan Wirfs to bolster their offensive line, and the rookie tackle has been one of the top performers of the rookie class. Rookie safety Antoine Winfield had an impact on defense, too, and was a big upgrade over what the Bucs previously had.
Even still, Brady’s steadying hand is what allowed the Bucs to make such a drastic leap. And if Washington wants to emulate what this year’s NFC Champions did, they’ll have to find an upgrade at quarterback.
The Washington Football Team has a defense that is ready to win now. They helped carry Washington to a 7-9 record and NFC East title. Could they use an upgrade at free safety and linebacker? Sure. But you could also argue that having a quarterback that can sustain drives and keep pressure off the defense would allow the unit to improve even if they made zero upgrades (which seems highly unlikely).
And obviously, the offense would benefit immensely from a strong starting quarterback. Last year, the goal of Washington’s offense was to avoid turnovers and gradually move the ball down the field. But with a better quarterback, or at least a consistent option compared to the four passers they started last year, the unit may flourish.
Terry McLaurin, Logan Thomas, Antonio Gibson, and J.D. McKissic all proved to be dangerous pass catchers last year. With upgrades to the No. 2 receiver spot, the return of Kelvin Harmon, and continued growth from Cam Sims, Washington’s offense would suddenly be flush with weapons. If they add a better quarterback to take advantage of those, they will be able to improve greatly.
The Bucs were a sleeping giant last season. They added Brady to the fold and took off. While Washington’s roster, especially on offense, isn’t as good as what the Bucs had last year, they’re not far off from being a potential contender. If they build right and find a good starting quarterback, they will be able to make the leap and challenge for double-digit wins.
That’s not to say that Washington should get a quarterback at all costs. They do need to be careful not to overpay for a QB just because they need one, and they appear to be doing that. And obviously, not every quarterback available is Brady, who ranks currently as the best quarterback to play the game.
Next. Ranking top QB options for WFT. dark
That said, if Washington can find the right passer, they could have a Bucs-like turnaround in 2021. That may not lead them to a Super Bowl, but it would certainly make them the favorites to repeat as NFC East Champions if they can pull that off.