The Trenches Were Where Won This Game.
Despite injuries, Washington’s offensive line commitment paid off Monday night for a Football Team set on pounding the ball ruthlessly, enabling them to load up 152 total rushing yards, with Antonio Gibson acting as the bell cow (29 carries, 111 yards). J.D. McKissic had a good vengeance game against his previous team, rushing seven times for 30 yards and a touchdown while receiving five catches for 26 yards, including a screenplay for Washington’s first touchdown.
Washington’s Defence Is Still Potent Even Without Chase Young And Montez Sweat.
The Football Team only had two sacks on Monday. Still, they stifled the run all night and caused enough mayhem upfront on pass rushes to make Russell Wilson uncomfortable on many occasions, undermining Seattle’s passing offence. The Seahawks’ lack of a rushing offence — Wilson led the team with 16 yards on two attempts — put them in lengthy down-and-distance situations, resulting in a 4 of 12 conversion rate from the NFL’s worst team on third down, and it was statistically worse until the last drive
Russell Wilson, like his receivers, is deserving of better.
DK Metcalf, who was practically non-existent for a half of football and registered his first reception in the game’s last minute, is first in line for an apology or an explanation (on four total targets). Wilson may blame his offensive line for failing to protect him effectively enough to allow him time to identify open targets, leading to one of two outcomes: short throws underneath or deep shots to Tyler Lockett in one-on-one scenarios, both of which are ineffective.
Taylor Heinicke’s Development Is Aided By Game Repetitions.
Heinicke isn’t an outstanding quarterback by any means, but his improvement with time on the field has sparked speculation about his future as Washington’s starting quarterback beyond 2021. Heinicke threw for 223 yards, one touchdown, and one interception (on a deflection) on 27 of 35 passing attempts, mainly avoiding the vast errors that would have hampered Washington’s chances. Heinicke was comfortable with taking the open man beneath rather than risking it by sending the ball downfield. Heinicke had completed 11 of his 20 passes to running backs with seven remaining in the game. One of them, a screen pass to McKissic, went for a touchdown, and Heinicke kept Washington on track by finding open targets below Seattle’s at-the-sticks zone coverage.
Michael Dickson Deserves A Standing Ovation.
Seattle is 3-8 and on its way to the land of frustration, but its punter had a fantastic night. Dickson was entrusted with punting eight times due to Seattle’s failure to convert on third down and keep possession, and he piled up 400 yards, averaging 50 yards per punt and dropping three inside the 20. It gave Washington large fields (which the Football Team took advantage of in the time of possession fight) and kept the game within reach, which is precisely what a punter’s job entails.
NFL Research:
Rasheem Green, who weighs 279 pounds, is the heaviest player to score a defensive two-point conversion since rule changes made the play legal in 2015. According to NextGen, Green travelled 94 yards in total distance and averaged 18.4 miles per hour on the return.
