Washington Vs. Seattle - Studs and Duds

As they say...all good things must come to an end - and so goes the Washington Football Team’s winning streak. At least it was fun while it lasted!

Washington was bit by the turnover bug Sunday afternoon, yet still hung on to make the game interesting at the end - as has been the case for the majority of the season, before falling 20-15 to the Seahawks as home.

Donning the all-burgundy look, and starting backup Dwayne Haskins, Washington came out flat in the first half, only to turn it on in the second half outscoring the Seahawks 12-7, but it was not enough to overcome the sluggish start, two interceptions, and a key missed extra point that came back to haunt them in the end.

Regardless, Washington still controls it’s own destiny in the NFC East after the Giants fell to the Browns Sunday night.

Below are my Studs and Duds of the game, followed by some notes.

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Studs:

Logan Thomas - I’ll admit it again...I was WRONG about Logan Thomas. He’s really finding his niche as a tight end in Scott Turner’s system, and although he may never be a true TE1, he’s a very valuable member of this offense and a quarterback-friendly target. He led the team in both receptions (13) and yards (101).

J.D. McKissic - McKissic led the team in rushing with 51 yards on 13 carries, and he caught nine passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. He’s been a pleasant surprise as a free agent signing.

Daron Payne - Payne didn’t have his best game, but the hustle and the athletic interception off Sweat’s tipped pass was a thing of beauty.

Montez Sweat - This guy continues to make plays for this defense. The tipped pass (yes, he did it again) was a huge play, and was certainly a turning point in the game.

Kendall Fuller/Ronald Darby - The corner due played a nice game against the Seahawks dangerous receivers. Metcalf and Lockett were held to just nine catches for 77 yards and zero touchdowns.

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Duds:

Steven Sims Jr. - The diminutive slot receiver, who many thought would break out this season after an encouraging second half to his rookie season, has basically done nothing besides drop his opportunities. With the way he’s played this season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him cut next year.

Robert Foster - He’s dropped more passes than he’s caught since joining the team. Enough said.

David Sharpe - Boy, I didn’t realize how much I valued Morgan Moses until David Sharpe had to enter the game. He’s almost as bad as Wes Martin.

Thomas Davis - I get he played out of necessity, but he’s extraordinarily bad. He looks like a statue out on the field. He needs to retire this week.

Ryan Kerrigan - Kerrigan played right? I know I saw #91 out there...

Dustin Hopkins - I really don’t know what to say anymore with this guy. The missed extra point didn’t lose the game, but it certainly changed how we played in the fourth quarter. The ups and downs are getting to be too much!

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Notes:

- Dwayne Haskins was well on his way to Dud status before things started clicking in the second half. Despite two interceptions - one which was a horrible throw and one a bad decision that was tipped and picked on a great play by the Seahawk’s defensive back, Dwayne battled back and had himself a decent second half. I’m not sure yet if he has a future here or not, but he makes the games a bit more fun to watch.

Terry McLaurin had a few plays that he left on the field, and I’m sure the captain is his own harshest critic. Still, he managed seven catches for 77 yards. It’s very clear Dwayne looks to him often when he’s under center, but he desperately needs another receiver to step up to take some of the pressure off him.

- Shaun Dion-Hamilton was having himself a game before exiting at the half with an elbow injury.

- Kam Curl continues to show he belongs. The rookie led the team in tackles with eight.

- It would be really nice to go just one game without Sweat, Young or Kerrigan being called for offsides.

- Hudson didn’t look too bad playing the hybrid linebacker spot. He had five tackles, one for a loss and a quarterback hit.