Week 17 Key Numbers: Washington’s slim playoff hopes come crashing down

It may be a new year, but it was more of the same for the Washington Football Team, which dropped its fourth straight in a 20-16 loss to the Eagles.

After taking an early 10-0 advantage in the first quarter, it was clear Washington was not going to be embarrassed for a second week in a row. However, the early momentum quickly wore off as the offense became anemic in the second half.

Taylor Heinicke had a big first half, starting the game 10-for-10 for 132 yards, with completions to 8 different receivers. He had some Houdini-like moments where he escaped from the rush and made plays, but the constant pressure eventually ran its course, with the quarterback getting sacked three times and facing consistent pressure in his face.

After going into halftime with a 16-7 lead, Washington went scoreless in the second half, yet still had one final chance to pull out the victory with just over two minutes remaining.

Heinicke looking for his fifth game-winning drive of the season, drove Washington down the field using the dinking and dunking that worked so effectively in the first half. However, it was all for naught as his pass intended for John Bates was intercepted after the tight end slipped.

The Washington Football Team showed heart but it wasn’t enough in the loss to Philadelphia.

Yes, the team was playing with a third-string left guard, fourth-string center, and back-up right tackle on the offensive line. The team was also missing Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, Logan Thomas, Curtis Samuel, Landon Collins, William Jackson III, and Montez Sweat.

To have this many starters missing and still putting up a fight against an Eagles team that has won four straight and six of its last seven should be lauded, and speak to the respect this team has for Coach Rivera and his philosophy.

Let’s get into the key numbers from Week 17.