Washington Football Team: Realistic expectations for the 2021 season

As the 2021 NFL Season draws closer, what are realistic expectations for the 2021 rendition of the Washington Football Team?

When setting “expectations” for the Washington Football Team’s season, it is easy to use a saying from Ricky Bobby in the movie Talledega Nights, when he said, “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” Super Bowl or bust. In theory, that is correct. The ultimate goal is to be playing in February, hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

However, if that was the case, then 31/32 NFL teams would have failed seasons every year. That simply is not true. That was not true for the 2020 Washington Football Team. In fact, that team overachieved despite not winning The Big Game.

So what are achievable goals for the Washington Football Team in 2021? Winning the Super Bowl is probably not one of them. However, there is a scenario where that happens. But that is reliant on getting consistent play from any of Washington’s quarterbacks. Not reliable.

To keep it realistic, and not drink too much of the pre-training camp Kool-Aid, a good starting expectation is to find out if Scott Turner is the right person for the offensive coordinator job. With the upgrades made across the board on offense, the Washington Football Team now has what seems to be a capable offense.

Just like 2020 was finding out if Dwayne Haskins was the answer, this year is about finding out if Scott Turner is the answer. He showed promise as a play-caller in 2020, but he needs to start stringing together quality games in 2021.

As far as on-the-field performance goes, another realistic expectation is for Washington to make the playoffs for the second year in a row. This is a feat that has not been done in Washington in almost 30 years, when they went to the playoffs the year following their 1991 Super Bowl victory.

Washington has the roster capable of making the playoffs, whether that is winning the division for the second year in a row or nabbing one of the three Wild Card spots. They have a defense, backed by its elite defensive front and quality secondary, that can be one of the best in the NFL.

Ryan Fitzpatrick should provide more week-to-week sustainability for the Washington offense than any of the 2020 quarterbacks did. The offense should at least be competent. Combine that with a punter that can pin the opposing offense inside the 10 on a given notice, in Tress Way, and Washington has the formula to win.

Did I just use the Washington Football Team’s punter to explain why they could be successful? Why yes, I did.

Lastly, the main attainable goal for the Washington Football Team should be to win a playoff game for the first time since the 2005 season. That shows direct year-to-year improvement and is something this franchise has not done in 16 years.

Make it to the playoffs and win at least one game and if Scott Turner is the real deal.  The outcomes of these events could differentiate a successful season and an unsuccessful season for the 2021 Washington Football Team.

Having success — albeit in a weak division– brings increased expectations. Combine that with a quality offseason that saw the Washington Football Team fill key team needs, and there is no reason Washington cannot make a repeat appearance in the playoffs. Furthermore, there is no barrier holding them back from finally breaking through and winning a playoff game.

Have other expectations or goals you expect or want the Washington Football Team to meet? Leave them in the comments below!