5 negatives for Washington Football Team vs Packers

Grades and Prediction

It’s time to grade the Washington Football Team following Sunday’s game against the Packers and the grades are not as bad as you may anticipate.  The Burgundy and Gold lost by two touchdowns, but the game was somewhat closer than expected.  The offense and defense put up a determined effort against a championship-caliber team and did so in a stadium that is a challenge as well.

Washington spent a great deal of time in Green Bay’s red zone, but failed to convert each time.  That is certainly a negative as we mentioned earlier, but the players gave themselves a reasonable chance to win the game and the grades will reflect each of these variables.

• Quarterbacks – Taylor Heinicke could’ve had a solid day if he didn’t fumble twice and toss a very untimely interception.  Grade: D+
• Running Backs – Antonio Gibson struggled somewhat and J.D. McKissic turned in another solid performance.  Grade: C+
• Tight Ends – Ricky Seals-Jones had another solid outing on Sunday, but he needed to have a better impact in the red zone.  Grade: B-
• Wide Receivers – The wide receivers were good on Sunday, but they also needed to have a better overall impact in the red zone.  Grade: B-
• Offensive Line – The line was not as crisp as it has been this season and they needed to be much better in the red zone.  Grade: D+
• Defensive Line – Sunday’s game was another step in the right direction.  After a positive game against the Chiefs, the defensive line was even better against the Packers.  Grade: B-
• Linebackers – The linebackers are in the “still needs work” category.  Landon Collins moved to linebacker full-time and the results are decent.  Grade: C
• Cornerbacks – We rated this unit as a negative this week and rightfully so.  Grade: D-
• Safeties – Kamren Curl keeps the grade from dropping too low.  Grade: C-
• Special Teams – Other than a missed 42 yard field goal, this unit was fairly solid on Sunday.  Grade: C+
• Coaches – The Washington Football Team was a “Tale of Two Cities” against the Packers.  It wasn’t the best of times and it wasn’t the worst of times.  The red zone offense lost this game, but also put themselves in a position to win.  Grade: C-

Prediction vs. Broncos

The Denver Broncos won their first three games of the season, but they have lost four straight over the last four weeks.  The losses have come against quality competition and they are hoping to even their record on Sunday and keep their playoff hopes alive.  Washington is simply looking to snap a three game losing streak and find some level of competitiveness.

Denver opens the scoring on their second drive with a field goal.  Washington mounts a touchdown drive in the second quarter and scores on a 12-yard reception from Dyami Brown.  Washington leads at halftime, 7-3.  Washington turns the ball over on a Taylor Heinicke interception and Denver is in business.  After three quarters, Denver leads 17-7.  Washington adds two field goals in the fourth quarter, but Denver is able to hold off a last-minute rally from the Burgundy and Gold.

Broncos 20  Washington 13

Final Thoughts

Before the season, analysts and fans knew that there would be a very rough stretch of games for the Washington Football Team, but they do get something of a potential break this week.  The game in Denver is winnable, but the team must earn it.  Denver is better than the record indicates and any game at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium is difficult.  Washington is playing their third AFC West opponent this week and the first two resulted in losses at FedEx Field (Chiefs and Chargers).  Isn’t it time for the no-name team to win a game against a foe in that division?

The Washington Football Team will have a bye week following the trip to Denver and, quite honestly, the team needs a brief break from all of the injuries, inconsistencies, and distractions.

The distractions are likely to continue and it could be a positive in the future.  If the players can withstand the rigors of scandal and name change, it will only make the team stronger and more cohesive in future seasons.  The current challenges could also serve as a dragging parachute as they try to sprint forward.  Will Washington Football Team players let it affect their play or will they move forward and keep the distractions at a distance?

We’ll see you next week with grades and a prediction for the next game, a home rematch of the playoff thriller last season against Tampa Bay.  Don’t forget – that game is on November 14 following the bye week.  On to Denver!