3 trade deadline mistakes Washington Football Team can’t afford to make
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Football Team never fails at exasperating its fan base.
Whether it be the continued cover-up regarding the investigation into the franchise’s toxic workplace culture, failing to do right by Sean Taylor with his halftime ceremony, the team itself falling on its face week after week, or Ron Rivera refusing to hold his players accountable, there haven’t been any dull moments .
You know what would really push fans over the edge, though? Well, the ones that haven’t already been pushed, anyway. If Washington spent like a drunken sailor leading up Tuesday’s 4 p.m. EST trade deadline.
While we aren’t opposed to bringing in a couple of newcomers, fans might never forgive Washington if they trade for these players.
3 trade deadline mistakes Washington cannot make
3. Every Eagles linebacker
The Eagles are reportedly willing to part ways with one of their three linebackers: TJ Edwards, Alex Singleton and Eric Wilson.
While Washington is short at the position after Jon Bostic’s season-ending pec injury, they’d be better off rolling with Cole Holcomb and Jamin Davis in two LB sets with Landon Collins being sprinkled in on rushing and pass-rushing downs.
But it goes beyond that.
None of Edwards, Singleton or Wilson would serve as upgrades to what Washington currently has on the roster, including Collins. Edwards has a 47.6 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, Singleton has a 38.0 coverage grade and is allowing a 136.5 passer rating, and Wilson is unwatchable against the run.
That isn’t to say Holcomb, Davis and Collins are world-beaters. Holcomb can be exploited in coverage. Davis, like most rookies, has looked lost at times, but it’s smart to let him go through these growing pains. As for Collins, for all the progress he’s made of late, his open field tackling is anything but reliable.
We don’t hate the idea of replacing Khaleke Hudson in the rotation , but Holcomb, Davis and Collins should consume the majority of snaps. For that reason, Washington should steer clear of the Eagles’ linebacking trio.