Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Washington Football Team Analysis: Running backs and quarterbacks

By Ken Johannesen

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 25: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team looks on before the game while wearing a helmet decal reading "It Takes All of Us" against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on October 25, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 25: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team looks on before the game while wearing a helmet decal reading "It Takes All of Us" against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on October 25, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – JANUARY 09: Quarterback Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Football Team passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at FedExField on January 09, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – JANUARY 09: Quarterback Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Football Team passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at FedExField on January 09, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Quarterbacks

The most important position on the team is still in a period of transition, but the 2021 season for your Washington Football Team offers more than a glimmer of hope.  One new player and three returners at quarterback offer fans a renewed sense of optimism.  Major changes have occurred during the 2021 offseason, but one of those changes came late last season when Washington jettisoned their first-round bust.

Before the opening of free agency, Alex Smith was released and he went on to retire from football the following month.  Washington re-signed late-season phenom Taylor Heinicke to a modest two-year contract.  Returning quarterbacks include Kyle Allen and Steven Montez.

On the second day of free agency, Washington signed journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to a team-friendly one year deal.  Let’s take a look at the quarterbacks for 2021.

Washington Football Team QBs in 2021

  • Ryan Fitzpatrick
  • Kyle Allen
  • Taylor Heinicke
  • Steven Montez

Ryan Fitzpatrick is the undisputed starter for the 2021 season.  To believe otherwise is to ignore how this offseason unfolded and what has transpired in OTAs and mini-camp.  For now, the backup is Kyle Allen, but that could quickly change in training camp and the preseason.  Taylor Heinicke will certainly have his chances to prove that he belongs.

2021 Prediction

  • Ryan Fitzpatrick – 391 completions on 594 attempts for 4,628 yards.  29 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, one fumble lost.  11 rushes for 41 yards.
  • Kyle Allen – No statistics
  • Taylor Heinicke – No statistics.

Yes, the prediction here is that Fitzpatrick will play every snap in the 2021 season.  Allen and Heinicke will be observers, but either one could perform “mop-up” duties this fall.  Is it a bold prediction?  Possibly.  Is it realistic?  Yours truly thinks so and is willing to put forth these numbers for you today.

Steven Montez is likely heading to the practice squad once again, but he will have some opportunities in the preseason.  Will he be able to impress the coaches and push Allen and/or Heinicke for a place on the roster this fall?

Home/Commanders News