5 negatives for Washington Football Team vs Packers
4. Does WFT still have a kicking problem?
When long-time kicker Dustin Hopkins was released last week, it came as something of a surprise. He had struggled at times in recent years, but there had been a certain measure of improvement in recent weeks. The Washington Football Team quickly signed free agent kicker Chris Blewitt (don’t you love the name?), a former Pittsburgh Panther and all-time leading scorer.
Blewitt made his first kick – a conversion following Washington’s first touchdown. However, the second kick wasn’t as memorable.
The FG? Chris……Blewitt #WASvsGB pic.twitter.com/Ko09o7jKAC
— PFF Bet (@PFF_Bet) October 24, 2021
Having a field goal attempt blocked on his first try as a pro is not a reason to enter the Hall of Shame, but Blewitt is mostly at fault on the play. From the moment his foot made contact with the ball, the trajectory was way too low and had no chance of going through the uprights.
For now, it will be interesting to see if Blewitt can work his way into a long-term job with the Washington Football Team. Choosing Blewitt as a negative this week may seem like nitpicking, but he will be heavily scrutinized for the remainder of the 2021 season.
5. The cornerbacks struggle on all levels
The fifth negative had several candidates, but we only have room for one more entry and the cornerbacks “won” by a narrow margin. Yes, they were facing the great Aaron Rodgers and all-everything receiver, Davante Adams. Washington was obviously missing William Jackson (injury) on Sunday and for all of his faults this season, he is still a good cornerback.
Washington CB William Jackson (knee) is OUT today against Green Bay, per source.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 24, 2021
Washington's corners today against Aaron Rodgers:
* Kendall Fuller
* Benjamin St-Juste
* Corn Elder
* Danny Johnson
* Troy Apke
Those last 3 have a combined zero defensive snaps this season.
Collectively, the corners had one pass deflection and zero interceptions while allowing three touchdown passes, including one on a fourth down and 20 yards to go in the third quarter. Yes, they were down a man and had to rely on a street free agent, a rookie, a practice squad member, a special teams player, and a struggling starter. That is not a combination for success in the defensive backfield and they are our fifth negative for the week.
Negative Bonus Two: The offense was 4-11 on third down conversions and 1-4 on fourth downs on Sunday. It’s the same story week after week, but these stats need to improve.