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The “magical” season the Washington Football Team just went through has officially come to an abrupt end at the hands of Tom Brady and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
...but oh what a season it was - full of ups and downs; and plenty of drama!
Despite how the season finally ended, fans certainly can be proud of the way this team performed down the stretch and never gave up.
Unlike many past off-seasons, this one should be enjoyable and full of optimism for the future.
Below are my Studs and Duds, followed by some notes.
Studs:
Taylor Heinicke - The former Old Dominion star was outstanding. He completed 26 of his 44 pass attempts for 306 yards and a touchdown. He chipped in 46 yards and a touchdown on the ground as well.
Cam Sims - Sims had a big drop early in the game, but he was the leading receiver, hauling in seven passes for 104 yards on the evening.
Daron Payne - Payne may have played his best football game as a professional. The big man had five tackles, two for a loss, two sacks, three quarterback hits, and a forced fumble he punched out of the hands of Vaughn.
Montez Sweat - Sweat quietly had a nice evening. He had four tackles, two for a loss, a sack, and two quarterback hits.
Jeremy Reaves - I give Reaves a lot of credit for how far he’s come along this season. He led the team in tackles with 10 and forced a fumble. He also blocked a kick.
Duds:
Linebacking Corps - Washington’s linebackers again had difficulties containing tight ends. Brate caught four passes for 80 yards, but Brady missed him on a few more passes that would have easily put him over 100 yards receiving. This group was also partly responsible for allowing Leonard Fournette to gain 93 yards on 19 carries, scoring once. We need upgrades this off-season.
Ronald Darby - Darby was really good most of the season, but this was not his best game. He was beat numerous times, once pretty badly early in the second quarter by Godwin for a touchdown.
Jimmy Moreland - The touchdown at the end of the first quarter to Brown was just poor coverage. He also lost multiple receivers and tight ends in coverage. He was just not on top of his game Saturday evening.
Notes:
- Steven Sims Jr. continues to drop VERY catchable passes... And on top of that, he seems scared to field catchable punts (we saw this at the end of the first half).
- Logan Thomas had a solid game, catching five passes for 74 yards, with a long of 29.
- The captain Jon Allen was invisible most of the game.
- Chase Young really didn’t get to Brady...although he came for him.