5 positives for Washington Football Team vs Falcons
4. The offensive line shines
The offensive line was nothing short of impressive against the Falcons and 34 points on the road speaks volumes to the impact they had on Sunday. The Washington Football Team has found a machine in right tackle rookie Samuel Cosmi and the return of left guard Ereck Flowers is simply wonderful. At center, Chase Roullier continues to prove he is one of the best in the league. Also, left tackle Charles Leno is settling in nicely after a shaky start to the season.
I really don't think enough people are talking about #WashingtonFootball's offensive line. WFT is yielding the 3rd-fewest sacks in the league.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) October 5, 2021
They also went into the week w/ Cosmi and Roullier leading their positions in run-block win rate for the entire NFL via Next Gen Stats.
Offensive line depth to be tested
First Team All-Pro right guard Brandon Scherff went down with an injury on Sunday and he could be out for up to three weeks. Washington has several options for the right guard position, but the depth of this unit is about to be tested. If the team can continue to produce quality plays at the position, then Washington should be fine.
Entering the season, the offensive line was something of a question mark. Left tackle, left guard, and right tackle were positions of concern, but this unit is currently the most impactful group in this young season. For their efforts on Sunday, the offensive line is our fourth positive.
5. The running backs are golden
5. The running backs continue to impress through the first four games and they only seem to get better with each passing week. Antonio Gibson may not put up dynamic numbers every game, but his production has been solid in the first four weeks. He is on pace for 1,075 yards rushing, 455 yards receiving (1,530 combined), and nine touchdowns. Solid statistics to be sure, but the number of touchdowns is likely to increase.
J.D. McKissic is the perfect complement to Gibson on obvious passing downs and in relief. His contributions in both victories have been nothing short of impressive. The Washington Football Team should sign him to an extension sometime soon. He should not be allowed to enter free agency in 2022. The former Arkansas State Redwolves star had five catches for 44 yards on Sunday and turned in a short pass into a 30-yard dash to the end zone. That late touchdown turned out to be the dramatic game winner.
Since the start of 2020, Alvin Kamara has tallied the most receiving yards by a RB in the NFL. In second place? JD McKissic. The two will meet this Sunday (thanks @CharlieMule_PR)
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) October 6, 2021
McKissic is on target for 51 receptions for 604 yards and 238 yards rushing in 2021. He is also on target for nine touchdowns. That kind of production from a “third-down back” is everything the coaches can hope for this season. Also, Jaret Patterson contributed one reception for eleven yards on Sunday. The running backs are the fifth positive for this week.