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Washington Football Team: Studs and duds from thrilling Week 2 win over Giants

By Jerry Trotta

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants receives pressure from Landon Collins #26 of the Washington Football Team during the first half at FedExField on September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants receives pressure from Landon Collins #26 of the Washington Football Team during the first half at FedExField on September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Washington DC Jack Del Rio (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Dud: Jack Del Rio

Did Jack Del Rio not watch film leading up to this game? It certainly didn’t feel like, because to say that the Football Team was ill-prepared for Daniel Jones’ designed running plays would be a comprehensive understatement.

Not only was their nobody (literally not a soul) in the middle of the field when Jones scored a rushing touchdown early in the first quarter, but the Giants quarterback would’ve had another TD run — this time a LONG one — but New York got flagged for an admittedly suspect holding penalty and it got called back.

Overall, Jones was just incredibly lethal with his legs, taking off for 95 yards on nine carries and the aforementioned score.

Getting beyond that, however, Washington once again struggled getting off the field on third down, as the Giants finished a solid 4-for-12 for the game, including a back-breaking 19-yard conversion on 3rd and 7 in the third quarter. Two plays later, Jones connected with Darius Slayton for a 33-yard touchdown to restore the Giants’ lead.

We once again expected better from the Football Team’s defense, and that ultimately lies on Del Rio’s shoulders.

Stud: Jonathan Allen

Washington’s defensive line made a couple of flashy highlights, but they really disappointed against a Giants offensive line that was depleted coming into the game and lost starter Nick Gates to a gruesome leg injury in the first quarter.

Jonathan Allen, however, lived up to every penny of the four-year, $72 million contract he signed this offseason. He was the clear standout of the group, coming up with a couple of momentum shifting plays in key moments in both halves.

For the game, Allen accounted for six tackles (three for loss), two sacks and three QB hits. Talk about picking up your teammates’ slack!

We all knew the WFT needed to set the tone in the trenches early on and Allen made his presence felt within the first couple plays, even though the rest of his teammates didn’t match his energy as the Giants marched down the field for a TD.

Washington doesn’t win this game without Allen. Plain and simple.

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