The Washington Football Team had high hopes this season, riding the gnarly wave that is Ryan ‘The Amish Rifle’ Fitzmagic toward a playoff run. Last season was riddled with QB controversy, as the WFT limped into a playoff matchup with Tompa Bay behind a man with a limp. Alex Smith was able to pick and poke around enough to get Washington to the dance, with a sub .500 record. Despite Smith’s deliberate inability to produce a high level passgame, let alone play safely, WFT was able to find their potential future face of the franchise in Taylor (Not Tyler Erin Andrews) Heinicke. The former XFL QB was moved down the depth chart in the offseason, as the king of the QB winding road came to Washington. Unfortunately for Fitzy, he dislocated his hip in week one, and the Heinicke book started a new chapter of unexpected success.
Let’s take a look at what the Bills are up against this week, in the #HUMPDAYCHECKDOWN.
Chasing Josh
For the most part, the Offensive line protected 17 a bit better last week in Miami. Miami’s front 7 was not the same as Pittsburgh, and is also nothing like Washington’s front 7. Chase Young is a Predator. He is human, but physically not. His ability to inflict punishment on QBs and RBs, along with his generational ability to influence the arc of a game makes him one of the top 5 defensive players in the NFL. Players like Young don’t come around often, and he will be at the center of the game for 3.5 hrs on Sunday. But He isn’t alone.
4-3-4 Strength
You can’t beat the WFT defense by keying in on Chase Young. A necessary evil of course, to protect your men from the monster from coming off the edge and decapitating someone. Opposite Young is Montez Sweat, who is a terrific player in his own right. The 2 DTs Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen are stalwarts and running the ball won’t be easy. We aren’t going to win this game with smash mouth. Behind the front 4 comes a solid LB corps featuring longtime player Jon Bostic.
The back end of the defense is potentially the most underrated, and have the ability to make a big impact on the game. Kendall Fuller, William Jackson Jr, and Landon Collins are highly graded, and Kamren Curl is talented as well.
The defense was highly ranked coming into the season, but has been dismantled 2 weeks in a row by young QBs. Both Daniel Jones and Justin Herbert were able to put up numbers and make splash plays, but to me, this only means the defensive unit is ready for a come together game.
“We had our moments,” Head Coach Ron Rivera told NBC Sports Washington. “You see things that get you there and go, ‘Wow, this is what we’re working toward.’
“Then you see things and go, ‘Man, that is so not us. That is so disappointing. That is almost immature.’ Again, that’s just us growing and learning.”
Get Your Hands ON that Hieney Baby
The Bills were able to literally cave in Tua’s chest within 2 minutes of game time. They showed how scary they can be, and the depth on the D-Line is going to take us a long way. Ryan Fitzpatrick was slated to start, but there will be no retribution for him, as the fearless wonder Heinicke has the keys to the castle for now. Fitzy came out week one and showed no fear, but his body succumbed to a detached hip. Heinicke won’t be afraid to sling it around to his weapons Terry McLaurin, Adam Humphries and Dyami Brown. Curtis Samuel is on the IR, keeping him out until week 4 with a groin.
Heinicke once threw for 731 Years for Old Dominion. Last fall he was taking math classes there when Washington gave him a call.
WFT running back group is strong, with Antonio Gibson leading the way. He probably doesn’t get enough credit for Washington’s odd success last season. Former Buffalo Bulls Jaret Patterson and Logan Thomas could get some decent burn with the trip back to the 716.
Rivera & Mac
It seems odd that Coach Mcdermott has such a closeness with 2 out of the first 3 NFL opponents, but it goes to show you how tight the NFL circle is. Ron Rivera was once Sean McDermott’s mentor in Carolina, as many know, where Brandon Beane also came from. McDermott told WKBW how influential Rivera was,
“The one thing he always said every morning was ‘Attitude, preparation, and effort were the things a team could control’. That’s very true and powerful,” McDermott said. “Ron has helped both [Beane] of us and there’s a mutual admiration, respect, and friendship.”
What some may not know is Rivera and Mac coached together a decade prior in Philly, on the famous Eagles Andy Reid staff. Each will enjoy this one for sure.
Don’t expect another easy romp this Sunday, as the WFT has all the makings of a division champ, a Coach, a QB, and some real stars on D. They may not have a mascot, but they certainly have an established culture in their program. Unless of course, we break the QB’s ribs, which I did not expect last week..
Stay tuned for Saturdays Weekly BLEUMAFIA Pregame Show, along with the #PREGAMEDUMP where I’ll drop my final predictions and thoughts heading into kickoff. Thanks for reading! GOBILLS
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