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Chase Young made his return to the field, but that wasn’t nearly enough to overcome the bad play from Washington’s offense and defense. They lost to the Rams 30-10 and it could have been a lot worse than that. It was a wet and sloppy day at FedEx Field that also saw the incredible return of Alex Smith. After the initial shock wore off, we saw an offense that couldn’t move the ball or protect the quarterback. The defense allowed multiple big plays and couldn’t stop anything today. Awful effort all around.
1st Quarter
3 and out
You're watching and know they went 3-and-out. Hang in there.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 11, 2020
Rams drive
We just saw the Rams run their first play-action of the game, which they tend to do a lot. Washington defended it well with the Rams only getting a one-yard gain from it.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 11, 2020
Great play from Jimmy Moreland on a screen play. Read it beautifully, came up and stuck the RB. 6-yard loss.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) October 11, 2020
Missed tackles from Moreland and Kerrigan
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) October 11, 2020
2nd time this drive the Rams have converted on 3rd and 6+. Both times they went to Everett. Last time got him matched up in man on Jon Bostic, this time a screen and Washington can't rally to the ball in time to save the first down pic.twitter.com/CZJlgXaX71
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Cooper Kupp with a great block on Kam Curl, driving him inside and opening a gap for Henderson. Young and Collins attempt to fill the gap, but can't prevent the TD. pic.twitter.com/gKbNtcuvhx
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
The Rams just missed the extra point after Henderson punched it in for a touchdown. 6-0
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) October 11, 2020
Danny Johnson returning kicks
Danny Johnson is the kick returner with Stroman and Steven Sims out. Interesting.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) October 11, 2020
Danny Johnson handling kick return duties. 28-yard return from the EZ.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 11, 2020
Terry McLaurin is very good at football
Washington works empty set, gets McLaurin inside on a linebacker. Easy win, easy read, easy first down. pic.twitter.com/WtNgKt8wVP
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Wes Schweitzer is a killer
Wes Schweitzer with a nice block on the screen. He's been showing off his athleticism in the screen game this season, getting out and making blocks in space. Leads the way for Gibson here pic.twitter.com/Yhb0ri8pEU
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Holy shit, Wes Schweitzer went looking for blood on that block on the screen
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) October 11, 2020
Gibson just completed a screen for 18 yards, but Wes Schweitzer's block made that happen. Very impressive work from the right guard.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) October 11, 2020
Twinkle-toes McKissic
Nice footwork from J.D. McKissic to maximise the gain on this catch. pic.twitter.com/pZhiI6CPOK
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Kyle Allen runs it in for a TD that gets challenged
Kyle Allen just ran for a 6-yard TD ... but it was called back. Ron Rivera just challenged.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 11, 2020
Nice job by Kyle Allen getting out of a closing pocket and working around a defender to get the edge. No idea why he held the ball out the way he did though. pic.twitter.com/xdJeLVkrJq
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
TD @budlight | #BudLightCelly pic.twitter.com/QUS3rDPytV
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) October 11, 2020
Washington caps off 10-play, 73-yard drive with that seven-yard touchdown run by Kyle Allen. Washington leads, 7-6, with 1:34 in the 1st quarter. That touchdown represents the second first-quarter TD the offense has scored all season, and only the third in the first half all year
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) October 11, 2020
Deshazor Everrett at free safety
Everett appears to be in at FS over Troy Apke on this drive. This was a solid read, but got there too early and hit the receiver before the ball arrived. Clear DPI, gives Rams a 1st down. pic.twitter.com/TtTnorLOJX
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Yes, they know Apke has struggled... Too many downfield plays available, even if not always hit. Some of that just stems from reading quicker. See what Everett does.
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 11, 2020
And Everett with the PI to extend the series... bit anxious... Rams chipping Young on rush situations to help the T
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 11, 2020
Rams drive
Tim Settle came in like a wrecking ball on that running play. Got the runner just above the knee to take him down easy.
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) October 11, 2020
Chase Young back
Welcome back Chase Young pic.twitter.com/jqJZVeY2i0
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Ahh, and Chase Young is backkkkk. He follows Settle's tackle, by giving the runner a hug in the backfield for a TFL. Made it look easy
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) October 11, 2020
Rams score quickly
Tough to say who was responsible for that Woods TD on the replay. Sent in motion and have him run up the sideline. Fuller appears to be passing him off to the deep safety. Collins looked like he was occupied with another receiver and couldn't get out over the top in time. pic.twitter.com/psnPl82rSX
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Here's a better angle of the Woods TD. Looked like a nice call from the Rams to put Collins in a very tough spot. pic.twitter.com/XbAKYNfJkD
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
2nd Quarter
Good TE, bad TE
Hemingway just caught a pass, the first of his career. Looked comfortable.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 11, 2020
Sprinkle then gets a target and, whoops. https://t.co/BEfUKooQL2
Troy Apke back in
Troy Apke back in
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 11, 2020
Washington still can’t cover TEs
McVay borrowing from Kyle Shanahan. Lines up Everett at FB, sends him out on the corner route. WR occupies both CB and FS, leaves Everett one-on-one vs Bostic, who can't stay with him after the run fake. Great design pic.twitter.com/raskVCwqlL
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Entering Week 5, Washington's opponents were targeting TEs on 24.6 percent of passes -- the 6th-highest rate in the league. This seems to a big part of the strategy again today.
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) October 11, 2020
Jared Goff can run for a touchdown too
Goff TD run - LB Jon Bostic knows Rams love to have a TE/WR bounce out late off a block as a quick inside throw for Goff off bootlegs. Bostic looks to Everett and wants to take him away, but leaves Goff free to run in for the TD himself pic.twitter.com/bymq7q1Y0K
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Wes Martin is no match for Aaron Donald
Wes Martin was matched up with Aaron Donald. It did not go well.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) October 11, 2020
Defense finally gets a stop
Washington finally gets a stop on 3rd down. Show double mug look, so Goff brings in the RB to block it, both LBs drop out, leaving RB in protection instead of running a route. Good work by Darby outside to break up the pass. pic.twitter.com/pardSmyEtG
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
For the first time today, the Los Angeles Rams did not convert a third down.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) October 11, 2020
Kyle Allen injured by a helmet-to-helmet hit from Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey comes in with a big hit to the head on Kyle Allen. Alex Smith is in the game as his replacement. pic.twitter.com/j0Nk2rAlzb
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
QB Kyle Allen is questionable with arm injury.
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) October 11, 2020
Alex Smith is back
Alex Smith has entered the game. #WashingtonFootball
— NFL (@NFL) October 11, 2020
: #LARvsWAS on FOX
: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/BGCKhfX8uY pic.twitter.com/7EaAz0DsbT
Standing O from the Smith Fam pic.twitter.com/h6TTMSQRWu
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) October 11, 2020
1st play, 1st pass for Alex Smith, it's a completion. pic.twitter.com/nbhGZ0BzmV
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Smith sacked for the first time since breaking his leg
Smith sacked for the 1st time too. Aaron Donald gets the better of Wes Martin, jumps on Smith's back, brings him down. Smith got up ok. pic.twitter.com/7GxPBsRPyt
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Kendall Fuller with the INT
We're so glad to have @KeFu11er back in the burgundy and gold@budlight | #BudLightCelly pic.twitter.com/pFL27QM9C8
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) October 11, 2020
Outstanding job by Kendall Fuller here. Works to the flat but spots the throw going behind him. Sinks back and gets the INT. Ball floats because Chase Young drove the LT into Goff's lap as he delivered the throw. pic.twitter.com/qZu7KLffUE
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Washington gets a field goal before the half
It's a checkdown and Washington will attempt a field goal instead. https://t.co/LmywxDacbn
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) October 11, 2020
Dustin Hopkins' 48-yard kick is good and Washington trails 20-10 at the half.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) October 11, 2020
3rd Quarter
Alex Smith staying in for the 2nd half
Alex Smith is warming up with his helmet on. https://t.co/VcyG5WnV4f
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) October 11, 2020
QB Kyle Allen is cleared to return.
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) October 11, 2020
Montez Sweat time
@_sweat9
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) October 11, 2020
#LAvsWAS FOX pic.twitter.com/ZV0eDyuFEz
Aaron Donald is better at football than Wes Martin
Aaron Donald with another sack on Alex Smith. Tough match up for Wes Martin at LG, with Donald knowing it's 3rd and long. pic.twitter.com/7Dl70i8tJL
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Aaron Donald with his second sack of Alex Smith. Once again, he just toyed with Wes Martin, and Smith had no chance
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) October 11, 2020
Rams drive
Nice quick seam concept from the Rams on 3rd and 4. Stacked set, top receiver runs a shallow cross to clear space for Kupp to work behind him. Nice stutter at the top of the route to beat Kurl. Big gain pic.twitter.com/jjofWwvExn
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Alex Smith is getting smothered
That's the fourth time Alex Smith has been sacked -- I think we are at 14-of-15 plays called/executed that have been passing plays in the rain against Aaron Donald and the #Rams.
— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) October 11, 2020
Seriously - WTF are the #WFT thinking here??
Another sack given up by the Washington OL. Martin driven back by Donald, Roullier tries to slide over to help. On the right side, Schweitzer and Moses beaten by a stunt. Smith brought down again. pic.twitter.com/RtUm99o2tf
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
4th Quarter
Bad stats
It's not getting better, Bob. pic.twitter.com/kL6N4MJUlW
— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) October 11, 2020
Landon Collins is good for something
Nice play by Landon Collins, filling the gap on 3rd and 5 with a sound tackle behind the line of scrimmage. pic.twitter.com/4Suo0F8WZA
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
You’re allowed to throw it past the line of scrimmage?
Washington finally takes a shot down the field, had it too, but Smith just overthrew McLaurin pic.twitter.com/kyQNd4kxhT
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
And another sack
Smith sacked again. Think he wanted to work back inside to McLaurin behind the LBs, but Donald driving Martin back made Smith feel pressure. Tries to scramble to his right, gets tripped up pic.twitter.com/mvhgjZbZV1
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Rams driving again
This was the same play the Rams scored the Woods long TD on earlier. This time they cover Woods, but Reynolds is wide open on Miami route pic.twitter.com/7jzlV6Yc9P
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 11, 2020
Defensive breakdown
Washington entered the game with 4 plays of 25 yards or more allowed this season. They've allowed 4 such plays today.
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 11, 2020