3 reasons to feel good about Washington’s season-closing win over Giants

We know what you’re gonna say. There was nothing at stake! How much stock can you really take out of a meaningless game?

The answer is not a lot. However, the Washington Football Team deserves credit for showing up in a contest they could’ve easily laid down.

That’s setting a pretty low bar, but take a look around the NFL. You can learn a lot about a team by how much effort they give in the final week.

Take the Lions, who defeated the Packers at home, the Texans, who gave the No. 1 seed-hopeful Titans all they could handle, and the Jaguars, who eliminated the Colts from playoff contention to end an eight-game losing streak, for example.

Washington is obviously further along than those squads, but the fact the team came to play proves they believe in Ron Rivera. That alone is a reason to feel good about Sunday’s win, but here are a few others that met the criteria.

Before we dive in, we’d be remiss if we didn’t show Bobby McCain some love after his two-interception performance. His pick-six in the third quarter gave Washington breathing room when the offense was stuck in neutral.

Playing days after rumors surfaced about the team wanting to re-sign him, the veteran safety only bolstered his case to return.

Washington Football Team: 3 reasons to feel good about Week 18

3. Special team standouts

You can honestly make the case that Tress Way has been Washington’s most consistent performer this season this side of Jonathan Allen. A case can be made for Terry McLaurin and Cole Holcomb, too, but let Way have his moment!

In a game where Washington managed just 16 first downs, Way’s number was called a whopping six times. Per usual, he delivered the goods, averaging 40.8 yards per punt, including a long of 56 and two inside the 20-yard line.

Way finished the game with three touchbacks, but he was deprived of a signature moment when he dropped a kick inside the five that stopped at the one-yard line only to see Troy Apke dive and knock it into the end zone.

Punters aren’t regarded as football players, but Way might be the lone exception in that regard because he always delivers.

The second part of this two-pronged answer is Joey Slye, who was once again nails for Washington. The third-year pro went 3-for-3 on field goals in the game and drilled his only extra- point.

By himself, Slye outscored the Giants 10-7. He’s now a perfect 12-for-12 on field goals since signing for Washington and his lone miss came on a blocked extra-point that was obviously the fault of his offensive line.

We still don’t love the way Washington handled Dustin Hopkins’ release, but Slye’s reliable right foot has helped fans move on. On a roster with plenty of holes to fill this offseason, thanks to Slye, kicker isn’t one of them.