Washington Football Team fumbles away opportunities vs Packers

0-4: The Packers came into the game allowing a 100% red zone TD percentage over its first six games. Opponents had gone 15-for-15 in the red zone against the Packers coming into this game, scoring 10 passing touchdowns and 5 rushing touchdowns. How did Washington fare? Well, the team went 0-for-4 in the red zone for a grand total of ZERO POINTS!

The first was the “Lambeau Leap that Wasn’t” where the refs said Heinicke had given himself up before getting into the end zone on third down. The fourth-down run saw Heinicke get stuffed, fumble, recover and try to push the ball in, but it was all for naught.

The second red zone drive saw McLaurin drop a catch he rarely misses on third down before an incompletion to Seals-Jones on fourth down, which led to another turnover on downs.

Another drive ended with an interception. Overall, the team left plenty of points on the field which is not something winning teams do.

7: Washington got past the opponent’s 30 seven times during the game, yet finished with a grand total of 10 points.

4: The outcome could have been worse though as Washington coughed up the ball four times, luckily recovering three of its fumbles. On one drive, the team fumbled on back-to-back plays, with DeAndre Carter fumbling after a nice 27-yard gain late in the third quarter, which was recovered by Heinicke who had been blocking for Carter.

The next play, Antonio Gibson coughed up the ball and it was recovered by Chase Roullier.

To make matters worse, that drive ended at the opponent’s three-yard line with zero points scored.

10/17/1983: The last time Washington has beaten Green Bay at Lambeau Field was more than 38 years ago on 10/17/1983. Washington has lost six straight road games to the Packers.

2-5: Although Washington has the same record of 2-5 as it did after Week 7 last season, the team is definitely faring worse this year.

• This year, the team has a -3 turnover differential compared to -1 at this point last season.
• This season’s defense has given up 678 additional yards in 7 games than it did last season.
• Although the offense is playing slightly better with 398 more yards after seven weeks when compared to last season, it has only averaged 1.85 more points per game over the first seven weeks.

With 10 games left in the season, we are seeing some growing pains with Washington. Yes, the defense has shown improvements, but it isn’t playing like the elite unit that was expected before the season. Yes, the Heinicke story has been incredible but at some point, the wins and losses matter more than any momentary excitement.

Coach Rivera is maintaining a positive attitude and seeing the team making some strides.

“I’m seeing the growth we’re looking for. I love the fight in these guys. There’s no quit in them.”

A win next week and some momentum heading into the bye week would go a long way towards not having the fan base quit on them too.