Washington Football Team Vs. Kansas City Chiefs - Studs and Duds

If there’s ever a group who can turn around a slumping team/quarterback, it’s Washington! The Football Team proved that yet again Sunday afternoon, as they allowed over 500 total yards of offense and 31 points to Kansas City at home.

Despite creating four turnovers, the offense could only muster seven points off of them. As usual, the defense was gashed by a competent quarterback who wasn’t even playing his best football. The opposing tight ends continued to eat, defenders continued to get burnt and miss tackles, and the scoreboard continued to get lit up in favor of the opponent!

Such is the life of a Washington Football Team fan...

Well, off to the Studs and Duds, followed by some notes.

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Studs:

J.D. McKissic - McKissic was the top weapon in the passing game on Sunday, catching a team high eight passes for 65 yards and rushing for 45 yards on just eight attempts.

Ricky Seals-Jones - I don’t think Washington has missed a beat at tight end since losing Logan Thomas to injury, and that is because of the emergence of Seals-Jones. The former receiver-turned-tight end hauled in four passes for 58 yards and the team’s only touchdown on the afternoon, where he sold like he was blocking, then burst up the seam for a wide open touchdown that even Heinicke couldn’t miss.

He’s more athletic than Logan Thomas, creates more favorable mismatches, and his blocking has been equally as efficient. When Thomas returns, the two-headed monster at tight end could be interesting to watch.

Cole Holcomb - Holcomb wasn’t perfect in coverage, but the guy was making plays all over the field. He led the team with 9 solo tackles (10 total), a sack, a forced fumble and a pass defended.

Chase Young - Young recorded his second sack of the season Sunday. On the afternoon, he had three total tackles (one for a loss), a sack and multiple pressures despite being chipped and double-teamed all game.

Tress Way - He’s the most consistent player on the Washington Football Team.

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Duds:

Taylor Heinicke - Can we all FINALLY agree that Heinicke isn’t the answer at quarterback? He’s a nice story, and a solid backup, but he’s been given his chance (which many of you simply asked that he get), and he’s shown moxie, leadership and heart - but just not starter quality intangibles.

Facing a BAD Chiefs defense, he was 24-39 for just 181 yards (he was checking down most of the game), with one touchdown (on blown coverage where RSJ was WIDE open), and an interception. He had an abysmal 27.9 QBR on the afternoon.

Again yesterday, he missed open receivers, underthrew passes, and was inaccurate from the pocket. He did very little with his legs, besides extending a few plays, and avoiding some potential sacks (one of which, however, was pretty amazing). Throwing a three yard pass to a blanketed McLaurin on a third and eight was just mind-blowing!

Landon Collins - Again, Collins was torched in coverage and was responsible for a few missed tackles in the open field.

William Jackson III - The prized free agent acquisition has not looked sharp in the first third of the season in Washington. Sunday, however, was atrocious - from his coverage to his tackling; which was equivalent to a first-year Pop Warner player.

Kendall Fuller - Fuller had a nice bounce-back game last week against the Saints, but he fell back down to earth against Mahomes on Sunday. He did record an interception, but he also dropped an easy one earlier in the game, and continued with the missed tackles.

The Entire Coaching Staff - This staff, from top to bottom, REFUSES to make changes, despite producing the same results week after week. Much of this comes on the defensive side of the football - but no coach is absolved of blame!

Fans deserve accountability, and all I see from Ron and this staff are excuses.

Stadium Personnel - For allowing Mahomes’ PUNK little brother to dance on the Sean Taylor tribute while recording a TikTok. EMBARRASING!

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Notes:

- I know he had a few rough moments, like the video below, but Jamin Davis is 1) playing more snaps; and, 2) looks much more comfortable in his role. He’s coming along slowly, but it’s starting to click - so don’t give up hope.

- Daron Payne and Jon Allen have been showing good disruption along the defensive front. Both had a few nice plays against the Chiefs’ banged-up offensive line - including multiple pressures.

- I know Antonio Gibson was playing banged up - and I give him credit for doing so, but you’ve got to hang on to the football!

- This banged-up offensive line is doing their job keeping Heinicke clean for the most part. Schweitzer has been adequate filling in for Scherff, and Leno looks much better at left tackle now that he’s settled in.

- THIS DEFENSE CAN’T TACKLE!