Washington Football Team: 5 negative takeaways from loss to Chargers
5. Poor Coaching Dooms the Washington Football Team
The coaching staff did the team no favors on Sunday and their decisions/play calling contributed heavily to the loss. Why did Kamren Curl appear in only 37 snaps? His presence in the secondary was sorely needed at times when he was on the sideline. What is the reason for not having Montez Sweat in the lineup on the opening drive?
James Smith-Williams on the edge with the starting D-line instead of Montez Sweat. 🤔
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 12, 2021
Washington Football Team coaches made poor choices
Let’s return for a moment to the early games of the 2020 season. Head coach Ron Rivera inexplicably refused to call timeouts in the fourth quarter of several relatively close games.
With several minutes to go on Sunday, the Washington Football Team was facing a fourth and seven. They were near the Chargers’ 40-yard line. Rivera chose to punt the ball and Los Angeles ran out the clock. The decision was mind-boggling and is reminiscent of 2020.
Ron Rivera asked his loaded defense to get a stop and get off the field on third down. They haven't all day.
— Chris Russell AKA the 🐓🐓! (@Russellmania621) September 12, 2021
It still doesn't make his decision on 4th/7/40 wrong to punt with plenty of time left.
Scott Turner deserves plenty of scrutinies after several drives ended in field goal attempts and several missed opportunities. Yes, the players must execute, but the coaches must make the right calls when it counts the most.
Bonus: Left tackle Charles Leno allowed an open path to Ryan Fitzpatrick early in the game and now Washington’s starting quarterback is sidelined for an estimated six to eight weeks, possibly more. One play can change an entire season and Leno failed to protect his quarterback.