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WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM Recap ’s Top 5 moments from the 2020 season

By Zach Selby organization has been around for a 4. Washington Upsets learning how to play, with some vet- really long time, seen a lot of really Undefeated Steelers erans sprinkled in there at the right he Washington Football productive players come through. Washington was starting to find positions, and I think that we’re Team’s season is officially To be at the top of that list is pretty some momentum after grinding out growing and we’re learning.” over, and there were special for me.” a win over the Things started to fall apart for plenty of moments that Kerrigan’s first sack came on the and blowing out the Cow- Pittsburgh from there. Its follow- will stay with fans for Eagles’ second drive of the game; boys on Thanksgiving. It seemed ing drive ended with a turnover years to come. he rushed into the backfield un- like the young team was making on downs at Washington’s 28-yard TBetween improbable come- touched, which made progress, but it was about to face its line, which allowed Smith and the backs, records being broken, playoff backpedal and turn toughest test yet against the unde- offense to march down the field droughts ending and sensational to avoid the pressure. Wentz slipped feated . and take a lead with a 45-yard field plays from unlikely players, Wash- out of a sack from , Washington was a six-point goal. Then, after not forcing a sack ington found a way to endure an but Kerrigan was there waiting to underdog heading into the Monday all game, Washington’s defensive unprecedented season and start bring him down for a 10-yard loss. night game, and it looked like the line found a way to impact the game head ’s regime on Kerrigan’s next sack -- the one Steelers were going to blow past with a tipped pass from Sweat, a positive note. Here are the team’s that allowed him to surpass Manley that mark. Although there were which was then intercepted by Jon top five moments from the season. -- came in the fourth quarter with some great moments -- like Young Bostic. the score tied at 17-17. This time, and the defense stopping Pittsburgh Washington added another field 5. Breaks Kerrigan plowed through two at the goal line in the second quar- goal four plays later, to secure a Official Sack Record Eagles players and grabbed Wentz’s ter -- Pittsburgh still held a 14-0 lead 23-17 victory over the NFL’s last It was essentially a foregone jersey to get the 92nd sack of his with just under four minutes left in undefeated team. conclusion that Ryan Kerrigan was career. the first half. “I told them it was well earned,” going to surpass as Once the game had ended, Chase But just as it had done all season, Rivera said. “We talked about the the franchise’s all-time official sack Young called Kerrigan “a dude,” Washington refused to give in. A 49- biggest thing, more so than any- leader. All he needed was 1.5 sacks saying that his effort and ability to yard from thing else, is your reputation, your to become Washington’s most ef- make plays made him special. Even made the score 14-3 at halftime, and record. When you get on the field, ficient pass-rusher. The only ques- though Kerrigan had fewer op- then Washington went on a 14-play those things don’t matter. What tion that remained was how long portunities to impact the game this drive to cut Pittsburgh’s lead to matters is who plays the best and I thought our guys played pretty dog- gone good today.” 3. Erupts During Weekend No one knew what to expect out of backup Taylor Heinicke, who went from taking classes at Old

N T I MES SH IN GTO Dominion to starting in a playoff A game in about a month. It is safe to say that no one could have antici- pated him to throw for 306 yards and put Washington in position to upset and the Tampa Bay . “I have nothing but respect for number four,” Terry McLaurin said after the game. “The way he came in and handled his business on a

T TO THE W T I S IN G U PPLEME N TO moment’s notice when we found

VE R quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) dives to score a against out that Alex wasn’t going to be able inside (51) and (54) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football to go. He was just prepared for the

N T I MES SH IN GTO game, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) moment. That’s what this league A is about, being prepared for your moment.” THE W IA L AD A SPEC

| would it take. season, he made do with the snaps four points. The Steelers responded Heinicke brought new dimen- The answer was one game. Ker- available to him, and he earned with a field goal, but hit sions to Washington’s offense rigan led Washington’s eight-sack Rivera’s respect for that. on a 15-yard touch- -- among them deep vertical passes performance against the Philadel- “Coming off the bench and being down to tie the score in the fourth and elusive mobility -- and they phia Eagles with two of his own, fresh and getting two sacks,” Rivera quarter. flashed throughout the game. Four- capping each play with his “HBK” said, “and causing a couple of other “We talked about fighting,” teen of Heinicke’s passes resulted celebration that fans have come to plays out there to happen just Rivera said after the game. “There’s in double-digit gains, and he led the love. speaks to who he is as a young man no reason to stop playing. It doesn’t team with six rushes for 46 yards. “It meant a lot. It’s pretty crazy,” and what he means to our franchise matter what the score is. I just His biggest highlight came in the Kerrigan said after Washington’s going forward.” think that’s who they are. These

Friday • January 29 • 2021 • January Friday season-opening 27-17 win. “This are a bunch of young guys that are » see Moments | C3 2 Quarterback Alex Smith drops back to pass during the Washington Football Team’s 20-14, NFC East-clinching win over the Eagles on Jan. 3, 2021. (Washington Football Team)

to Smith making his return two an opportunity.” in the first quarter. Moments years after his life-threatening leg Smith could not play in three of The game was more of a grind From page C2 injury. Washington’s final four games, as from there. Eagles quarterback Smith made tremendous he was dealing with a calf injury, scored back-to-back third quarter when he miraculously progress in the months leading up but the 36-year-old veteran had rushing to take a 14-10 avoided pressure and dove into the to him coming in for an injured already proven he could defy the lead, but Smith and the offense zone for an eight-yard touch- against the odds and help lead Washington to responded seconds before half- down that made the score 18-16. Rams in Week 5. He was cleared the . No matter what Smith time with a 15-yard touchdown to “He’s a true pro,” for contact by team doctors and does with his future, his accom- Thomas to make the score 17-14. said. “I can’t tell you why he was on then showed he could handle a plishment will go down as one of The offense was only able to score the street before we picked him up controlled pass rush in training the greatest in history. three points for the rest of the because obviously you see him out camp. All that work came to a head “I had so much fun this year, es- game, but the defense forced two A SPEC IA L AD there playing today. He has every when Smith jogged onto the field pecially given all the COVID stuff,” turnovers and a turnover on downs quality of a football player that you in the second quarter and finished Smith said. “To be back in the to maintain Washington’s lead. want. I’m just glad we got him.” the game. locker room, to be with the guys, to “I’ve got a lot of faith in what

Heinicke was forced to exit the “It was great to be out there,” be playing a game I love and to lose our defense is doing,” Rivera said VE R

game after injuring his shoulder, Smith told reporters. “The feeling, yourself in it, it’s one of the greatest after the 20-14 win. “It’s interest- T I S IN G U PPLEME N TO THE W but he came back on the next drive the range of emotions -- the good feelings in the world. You cannot ing because we’ve come out in the to hit Jr. for an 11-yard and the bad -- is why I fought so duplicate it outside of here.” first half and our defense has really touchdown with five minutes left hard to come back. I think some- shut people down. That’s one of the to play. times you can take it for granted, 1. Washington Wins First things we saw today. In that third Heinicke ultimately could not and certainly being away from it NFC East Title Since 2015 quarter, they’re pretty stifling.” lead Washington to the game- for a couple of years, I’ve missed Washington had been through a Rivera’s goal since Week 5 had tying score, but he fascinated fans it. So good to be back in it rolling, lot in the 2020 season between the been to win the because he

with his sensational performance. and like I said, we’ll look at the film COVID-19 protocols, Rivera bat- believed in his players. Despite a 1-5 THE WASHINGTON TIMES Rivera said after the game that He- and get better and keep moving tling cancer, injuries and quarter- record, they never stopped fighting

inicke had earned an opportunity, forward.” back changes, and yet it still had a and put their faith in Rivera when A so it sounds like Washington has Nearly one month later, Smith chance to win the division for the he asked them, “Why not us?” Over SH IN GTO N T I MES not seen the last of the 27-year-old replaced Allen again against the first time since 2015. All it needed the course of a year, Rivera had signal-caller. and threw for 325 to do was beat the Philadelphia turned Washington’s potential into “I’m proud of myself and I’m yards. This time, Smith was in the Eagles in Week 17. a playoff berth. happy that coaches believed in me starting lineup for good, and after It helped that Washington’s of- “This one is special just because and gave me the opportunity so... dropping a 30-27 loss to the fense was coming into the matchup of how hard it was and how tough | hopefully I can do it again next Lions, he helped Washington win at full strength with three of its big- everything has been on the guys Friday • January 29 • 2021 year,” Heinicke said. “I want to be its next four games and finished the gest playmakers -- Smith, McLaurin and the organization,” Rivera said. in the NFL. I want to keep playing season 5-1 as the . and -- all suiting “It’s a great group of young men in ball. It’s a dream of mine, and [I “Everything that I had seen in up together for the first time in there, and we’re trying to do things will] keep working towards it.” terms of the reports that I was get- weeks. Their presence paid off, as the right way. It’s really a cool thing ting from the doctors were positive Washington scored on its opening to come out and get the division.” 2. Alex Smith Completes that this is a guy who has a chance,” drive for the first time all season. The views and opinions His Comeback Rivera said. “Given who he is and Then, after an by expressed in this article do not There are some stories that go the way he came back, it doesn’t set Washington up at reflect the opinion of the team. beyond what is shown on the field, surprise me to a degree that he’s the Eagles’ 25-yard line, a 42-yard and that is the case when it comes got an opportunity and he earned field goal led to a double-digit lead 3 N T I MES SH IN GTO A

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5 How Washington turned potential into a playoff berth

The Washington Football Team celebrates its NFC East-clinching win over the on Jan. 3, 2021. (Courtney Rivera/Washington Football Team) N T I MES SH IN GTO A By Kyle Stackpole and Zach to start. a disadvantage in their first season. in its 30-15 loss in Arizona, while Selby After starting the 2020 season Add in a virtual offseason, modified turnovers against the Cleveland 1-5, Washington claimed the divi- training camp and no preseason Browns overshadowed an otherwise rom the moment Ron Ri- sion title for the first time since 2015 games -- and on top of that a cancer solid offensive performance and re- vera stepped up to the po- with a win over the Philadelphia diagnosis -- and the amount Rivera sulted in a 34-20 defeat. Defensively, dium for the first time as Eagles in Week 17 and then nearly was supposed to overcome seemed, Washington could not contain the Washington Football defeated the Tampa Bay Bucca- well, insurmountable. Cardinals’ dual-threat quarter- Team’s more neers in the Wild Card round of the In some ways, the regular season back or the Browns’ than a year ago, he spoke playoffs. The team had to endure opener provided false hope. By two-headed rushing attack of Nick T TO THE W T I S IN G U PPLEME N TO Fof a vision for where he wanted to double-digit losses, injuries at key erasing a 17-point deficit to defeat Chubb and Kareem Hunt. VE R take the franchise. positions, multiple quarterback the Philadelphia Eagles, some Washington nearly matched the He explained how he wanted to changes and Rivera battling cancer thought that Rivera’s first year in Ravens in total yard-

N T I MES SH IN GTO return a team that finished the 2019 during the season. And yet, Wash- Washington would go smoother age in Week 4, but that stat proved A season with a 3-13 record to its days ington never believed the division than expected. meaningless in a game the Ravens of being perennial playoff contend- crown was out of reach, and the Jr. would con- controlled from the onset. Quar- THE W IA L AD A SPEC

| ers. He wanted to help Washington players showed resilience through- tinue to develop as the quarterback terback did seem- reach the same tier as some of the out one wave of adversity after the of the future -- with Terry McLaurin ingly whatever he wanted against modern powerhouse organizations other. as his No. 1 option -- and the pass- ’s defense, gliding for a like Kansas City, Seattle and Green Rivera showed confidence in rush, which racked up eight sacks, 50-yard touchdown while throwing Bay, and he wanted to do that by the players he had at his disposal, would wreak havoc on opposing for two more. The result was a 31-17 building on the potential of its and that faith paid off. Take a look . With a win over the loss, Washington’s third straight by young, talented roster. back at how the head coach turned defending NFC East champions, at least two touchdowns. Rivera would say there is still a potential into a playoff berth. why couldn’t Washington poten- Despite Washington sitting at 1-3, long way to go before that vision tially contend for the division? with its win over the Eagles feeling is realized, but winning the NFC ‘Feeling It Out’ Quickly, reality set in. Giveaways

Friday • January 29 • 2021 • January Friday East in his first year is a good way New head coaches are already at and big plays doomed Washington » see Playoffs | C7 6 believed he could continue develop- mentality.” we just have to build on that going Playoffs ing a young team while fighting for Many questioned the decision, forward going into this bye week.” From page C6 a historically bad division -- similar especially because Washington’s Another disappointing loss to to what he did with the Carolina offense just scored and its defense the Giants followed, but there were like a distant memory, Rivera was Panthers in 2014. shut down the Giants for most some encouraging signs, none big- oddly encouraged. He believed And while it took some time for of the second half. If it went to ger than the play of veteran quarter- Washington had “some pretty that vision to come into focus, even- overtime, it could have avoided back Alex Smith. In just his second good pieces in place” and thought tually everyone saw Washington’s its second straight 1-5 start to the appearance since his grotesque in- marked improvement was immi- potential through Rivera’s lens. season. The players, though, stood jury, Smith nearly led a double-digit nent amid a struggling NFC East. “I’ll be honest with you, that’s behind their coach. They loved his comeback in place of the injured That’s the main reason he what the goal has been since about attacking mindset and his belief in Allen. His biggest mistakes were a replaced Haskins with Kyle Allen Week 5,” Rivera said about making this inexperienced unit. Eventually, pair of late , and those a quarter of the way through the the postseason. “The first four were those plays would end up working only occurred because Smith was season. With someone who had about seeing what we were as a in their favor. trying to make a play, Rivera said. been in Scott football team, kind of feeling it out. “What he’s trying to do here, and With Allen out for the year with Turner’s system -- the two worked But then looking at it...Week 5 was I totally understand it and I love his own significant leg injury, Wash- together in Carolina the past two really where I thought, ‘Hey, you that he’s doing it, is we’re trying to ington would be forced to turn to seasons -- Rivera believed Washing- know what, we have a shot for the create a winning mentality,” Allen Smith, who looked like his former ton could pick up a few wins during playoffs because of the way the divi- said after the game. self despite the costly giveaways. the easier portion of their schedule. sion is. Nobody has started out 3-1 Washington came out a week And even at 2-7, Rivera felt confi- “I just felt that with the pieces or 4-0.’ I just thought, ‘Wow. There’s later and dominated the Dallas dent with Smith under center. A we had -- why not us?” Rivera said a chance.’” Cowboys. When its offense failed proven winner and elite game man- in December. “I looked at it and, to to convert a fourth down at the goal ager, paired with a defense that was be honest with you, there were six Learning To Win line, the defense immediately re- finally starting to gel, appeared to games that I saw coming up. I just There was little time to celebrate sponded by recording a safety. Then be just what Washington needed to felt if we could win three of those ’ biggest NFL moment the offense built on that momentum climb back into the NFC East hunt. six and then see what happens against the New York Giants in with a touchdown drive, giving after that, we could be in a pretty Week 6. Sims’ 22-yard touchdown Washington all the points it would Finding Their Identity good place. That’s why I did what brought Washington within one in need in a 25-3 rout. Washington faced a lukewarm, I did. I just looked at it and felt it. I the final seconds, but Rivera wanted “We’ve set the bar, we’ve set swirling wash of emotions at Ford was drawing on my experience of to leave MetLife Stadium with a win the standard,” McLaurin said. “We Field after its game against the having played and coached in this right then and there. know what that looks like now. We . league for 30 years. I just felt there “The only way to learn to win know every week is not going to be For the first time in nearly two was an opportunity and I wanted to is to play to win,” Rivera said after perfect, but we have weeks like this years to the day since his life- take it and see what happens.” the failed two-point conversion in against good football teams and it’s threatening injury, Smith was on From an outside perspective, a 20-19 loss. “That’s what I want in your division. It gives you a lot of Riverboat Ron took a gamble. He those guys to understand; that’s the confidence as a football team, and » see Playoffs | C9 A SPEC IA L AD VE R T I S IN G U PPLEME N TO THE W THE WASHINGTON TIMES A SH IN GTO N T I MES | Friday • January 29 • 2021

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medliminal.com • 855-203-7058 Friday • January 29 • 2021 • January Friday 8 picture showed the team’s record guys, especially these young guys, That talent, combined with Playoffs was close to being much better. because now they’re learning from a resiliency developed over the From page C7 Including the Lions game, Wash- a guy that’s done it before.” course of the season, ensured that ington’s last three losses came by a The offense was not clicking as Washington was going to be com- A SPEC IA L AD the field as Washington’s starting combined seven points. No other much as it was against the Lions, petitive, particularly in the second quarterback. Not only did he throw team was running away with the but it was still effective as it put up half of games. That was a sobering for 300-plus yards in back-to-back NFC East, either, and the next 325 yards and two touchdowns in a revelation to the then undefeated games for the first time in his ca- two games against the Cincinnati 20-9 win. The came four Pittsburgh Steelers, who had taken VE R

reer, but the offense also shattered Bengals and gave days later on Thanksgiving when a 14-3 halftime lead. Washington T I S IN G U PPLEME N TO THE W its season-high production that had Washington the chance to double Washington turned a 17-13 lead into marched 82 yards downfield on the been set the week before with 464 its win total and potentially take a a 41-16 drubbing that briefly gave it opening drive of the third quarter yards. By tying the game, 27-27, with lead in the struggling division. first place in the division. and scored a one-yard touchdown 16 seconds left in the fourth quarter, On the surface, it looked as if Although Smith threw for fewer to make the score 14-10. It went on the team proved once again that it the Bengals and Cowboys would yards in those two victories (315) to outscore the Steelers, 13-3, and was making progress. be some of the easier games on than he did in either of Wash- essentially sealed the game with an And yet, problems lingered; the the schedule. The Bengals had ington’s previous losses, he was interception by .

offense took too much time to gain struggled almost as much as offering the stability Rivera wanted The win accomplished two THE WASHINGTON TIMES traction, while the defense contin- Washington in quarterback Joe out of the 36-year-old veteran. But things: it allowed Washington to

ued to give up big plays, both of Burrow’s rookie season, while the Washington’s true growth came keep pace in the division, and it A which contributed to a 17-3 halftime Cowboys were a shell of themselves from the players who had tempted showed that after starting the year SH IN GTO N T I MES deficit. All the joy from Dustin Hop- with out for the year. Rivera to become the team’s head 2-7, the team could compete with kins tying the game evaporated as However, the Bengals were two coach. That was apparent against anyone. nailed a game-winning weeks removed from upsetting the the Cowboys; Antonio Gibson 59-yard field goal. Rivera said the Titans, and the Cowboys rushed for 115 yards and three What’s Important Over team played well enough to win, but had just won a battle against the touchdowns, while Montez Sweat What’s Interesting | it also left nine points on the field, . sealed the game with an intercep- There were plenty of interesting Friday • January 29 • 2021 and missed opportunities do not The reality was that Washington tion returned for a touchdown in headlines surrounding Washington show up on the scoreboard. needed to take both opponents seri- the fourth quarter. during the final stretch of the regu- “So, sometimes I tell the guys, ously, which is why having a player “I really think we’re finding lar season. ‘You can’t play against two teams on like Smith as the starting quarter- our identity and getting better as It was interesting that the team Sunday: them and us,’” Rivera said. back came in handy. the weeks have gone on,” Smith followed up its victory over the “Sometimes we do ourselves in by “You see those things that he said. “Wins obviously only help to undefeated Steelers with a win over some of the mistakes we make.” does getting guys lined up or get- encourage that and fuel that. I think the 49ers -- last year’s Still, Rivera always viewed his ting guys in the right position,” it’s important to kind of keep that NFC representative in first season in Washington from a Rivera said. “That’s important, going week-to-week and keep devel- broader perspective, and the big that really is. It helps these young oping as the weeks go on.” » see Playoffs | C10 9 the Giants lost again, Washington Giants also losing to the Ravens, against the Seahawks and Panthers. Playoffs would win the NFC East for the first created a win-and-in scenario for When it seemed like those games From page C9 time since 2015. Washington, and shortly after the would get away from Washington, However, Rivera has preached Panthers game it was announced it clawed its way back with big LIV, particularly since an injured about focusing on what is important the regular season finale against plays on both sides of the ball. Smith was replaced by Haskins and over what is interesting, and that the Eagles would be on NBC’s And against the Eagles, it showed Washington’s only touchdowns included the potential for revenge Sunday Night Football with Smith, that it can put aside the glitz and at- in the 23-15 game were scored by over the franchise that relieved McLaurin and Gibson all returning tention that came with the national defensive rookies and Rivera of his duties last season. to action. That created a massive spotlight and defeat last year’s Kamren Curl. “This organization right now is spotlight on Washington, but since division champs -- just as it did to It was interesting that Washing- more important than my personal Rivera had seen his team perform start the year -- to show how far the ton headed into its game against the situation,” Rivera said. “I mean that on Thanksgiving and against the franchise had come from holding a without its start- because we have 53 guys downstairs Steelers, he believed it would rise to top 2 pick nine months ago. ing quarterback and Gibson, who and a group of coaches that we the occasion. What started as a rebuilding had been nursing a toe injury since want to get into the playoffs. They “We’re on the stage now. The year yielded Washington’s first exiting the Steelers game in the first want to get into the playoffs, and we one thing I will say, the first other postseason birth in five seasons, quarter. Its banged-up offense was want to do it for them and for us. two games we’ve been on the and despite falling short against the still almost enough to knock off We have to focus in on the game.” stage...our guys came out and Buccaneers, there is a lot to look the Seahawks, but despite a valiant Washington found itself in played well and had fun. That’s the forward to. fourth-quarter comeback, Wash- another double-digit hole, and in biggest thing. We’ve got to get back “We’ve got some really special ington suffered its first loss in more many ways it was similar to what to having a little bit of fun. The guys,” Rivera said. “This group, than a month. happened against the Seahawks. truth of the matter is we’re playing I think if we can grow and learn The defeat did not hurt Wash- The defense made plays that kept with house money.” together and add on a couple more ington’s playoff chances, though, the team in the game and the What was more important to pieces, I think we have a shot next and with the Giants and Eagles both offense came alive in the fourth take away from Washington’s past year. It’ll be fun to watch. I’m just losing their respective games, that quarter with help from backup four games was its fight. Its defense glad that we were able to give the created perhaps one of the most Taylor Heinicke, but a failed onside found a way to keep and maintain DMV something to cheer about. I interesting twists of the season: kick recovery spoiled a comeback a lead when its offense was not as promise you one thing, like I said, if Washington beat the Carolina attempt, resulting in a 20-13 defeat. productive against the 49ers, while we’ll show up and we’ll play hard.” Panthers, Rivera’s former team, and The loss, combined with the the unit kept the team in the game N T I MES SH IN GTO A T TO THE W T I S IN G U PPLEME N TO VE R N T I MES SH IN GTO A THE W IA L AD A SPEC

| Friday • January 29 • 2021 • January Friday 10 A SPEC IA L AD VE R T I S IN G U PPLEME N TO THE W THE WASHINGTON TIMES A SH IN GTO N T I MES | Friday • January 29 • 2021

11 Season Recap Gallery N T I MES SH IN GTO A T TO THE W T I S IN G U PPLEME N TO VE R N T I MES SH IN GTO A THE W IA L AD A SPEC

| Friday • January 29 • 2021 • January Friday 12 Season Recap Gallery A SPEC IA L AD VE R T I S IN G U PPLEME N TO THE W THE WASHINGTON TIMES A SH IN GTO N T I MES | Friday • January 29 • 2021

13 The Washington Football Team defense celebrates after forcing a turnover against the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 3, 2021. (Washington Football Team)

5 things we learned about Washington during the 2020 season

By Zach Selby brought in to compete for the open deflections. Add that to Fuller’s 11, trying to do. If you can keep those left guard position. and the duo combined for the most guys around for a period of time,

N T I MES SH IN GTO he Washington Football Other than signing pass breakups of any cornerback now it takes the pressure off going A Team’s first season under , Washington did not combo in the NFL. into the draft.” head coach Ron Rivera was make many flashy additions, and Even players who didn’t receive an eventful one, and he for the most part, they outproduced many headlines were vital contribu- 2. Terry McLaurin Cemented did not waste any time to outside expectations. tors. Schweitzer eventually emerged Himself As A No. 1 Receiver establish how the team was Terry McLaurin entered 2020 Tgoing to be led during his tenure. fresh off one of most successful Free agents emerged as key The young team will be armed with another year’s rookie seasons for a receiver in contributors, the defense lived up worth of experience, and with some other franchise history. The next question to expectations and young players additions, next season could be even better. was if he could handle the pressure established themselves as key pieces of being the team’s No. 1 wideout.

T TO THE W T I S IN G U PPLEME N TO to a future filled with optimism. ‘“You look at him last year, he

VE R Here are five things we learned Many of the team’s free agents as the starting left guard and earned is a young player,” wide receiv- about Washington during the 2020 signed last March ended up chang- the best overall Pro Football Focus ers coach said during

N T I MES SH IN GTO season. ing their respective position groups grade of his career, training camp. “Not a lot of people A on both sides of the ball. Thomas only allowed two sacks, and line- had expectations of what he was 1. Washington’s Free ended the season leading Washing- backer Kevin Pierre-Louis recorded going to be. Teams that they played THE W IA L AD A SPEC

| Agent Signings Paid Off ton with six receiving touchdowns a career-high 56 tackles. didn’t know him or weren’t re- Rivera and Washington’s strategy and accounting for 670 yards. Eight of Washington’s signees ally concerned about him. That is for free agency was to make smart, McKissic, who offensive coordinator started at least two games, while something to do with your early calculated additions and bring in Scott Turner said could be an every- McKissic, Lucas, Thomas and others years. Once you have success in players who would create com- down back, had 954 total yards and had the best seasons of their careers. this league, it is about expectations, petition and fit the system. Tight was second among all running backs “Those are the kinds of things managing expectations.” end Logan Thomas was viewed as in receiving yards behind Alvin that help you as you put your team The answer was an emphatic having plenty of untapped potential; Kamara. together,” Rivera said. “Now, those “yes.” McLaurin finished his sec- J.D. McKissic was seen as a multi- On defense, played guys may not be your starters, but ond season with 1,118 yards on 87 faceted addition to the a full season for the first time in his they may be top-flight backups that

Friday • January 29 • 2021 • January Friday position; and was career and led the team with 16 pass are just as valuable to what you’re » see Lessons | C15 14 capabilities. He rushed for 128 yards Lessons -- highlighted by a 40-yard run and From page C13 a touchdown -- against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7. That started a receptions and had 490 yards after five-game streak of scoring at least the catch. Despite catching passes one touchdown, which peaked from four different starting quar- on Thanksgiving with 115 yards terbacks this year, he recorded at and three touchdowns against the least 70 yards in 12 games, including Cowboys. six catches for 75 yards against the “At first, he was a little bit all over Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild the place and now...you start to see Card round of the playoffs. certain elements of his game com- On top of that, McLaurin was ing into focus,” Rivera said. “The unanimously voted as a captain by short runs where it’s pressing the his teammates in the middle of the hole a little bit longer and opening season. up and popping through where it “Terry was kind of a quiet guy, never opens up and you gain three but he came in and worked. He or four yards, but you’re getting showed work ethic,” quarterback what you can -- those are the things Kyle Allen said after the announce- that you’re looking for. Or, he hits a ment. “I said this to him early in the hole or hits an area and then all of a season, I said: ‘You’re a guy that can sudden you realize he has to bounce be great, but you can also be one of it or cut it back. Those are things the best leaders on this team. You’ve that he’s continuing to learn the feel got a lot more to say than you think for.” you have.’” What was more impressive was McLaurin said he wanted to how effective Gibson was with “walk the walk” of being a captain, the ball in his hands. He was the and perhaps the best example of sixth-most efficient running back, that came when he made the extra according to Football Outsiders, and effort to play through a high ankle averaged 4.7 yards per carry. He sprain against the Philadelphia finished the season with 795 rushing Eagles in Week 17. yards and 11 rushing touchdowns, McLaurin did not care about the latter of which was only two catches and yards; he just wanted away from tying the franchise re- to be with his teammates. It further cord by a rookie. proved McLaurin is a cornerstone Gibson missed two games while for the team both on and off the dealing with turf toe, but he still field. Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) gestures with his rushed for 136 yards in the final A SPEC IA L AD “I started making turns and just hand as he gets past Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson (37) on his way two games of the regular season. looking my teammates in the face to the for a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game in And with him starting in the final and knowing that this could be Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman) six games he played, he has solidi- the end for us,” McLaurin said. “I fied a future role in Washington’s VE R

couldn’t end the season not play- backfield. T I S IN G U PPLEME N TO THE W ing. I played through some pain but that’s part of it. I would do it twice in efficiency, according to Football seasons prematurely. Many of the 5. There Is A Lot Of over again.” Outsiders, behind the Buccaneers players expressed excitement for Optimism For The Future and Saints. what the defense can be next year There were some outside of the 3. The Defense Lived “I have a lot of faith in what our with Young saying, “We’re not let- organization who believed Washing- Up To The Hype defense has been doing,” Rivera said ting our foot off the gas.” ton was still a few years away from There were many signs that after Washington’s 20-14 win over “This is just the beginning with legitimately competing for the play-

pointed to Washington’s defense the Eagles in Week 17. “It’s interest- Coach Rivera and Coach Del Rio,” offs. Instead, the team more than THE WASHINGTON TIMES being much improved from the 2019 ing because we’ve been Young said. “I think it’s going to be doubled its win total from 2019 and

season. It was being led by Jack Del in the second half and our defense scary for the years to come.” put together a competitive postsea- A Rio, who has a history of turning de- has really shut people down.” son game against the Buccaneers. SH IN GTO N T I MES fenses around quickly. The second- There were still some growing 4. Antonio Gibson Grew Into Even after that, the team ac- ary was almost entirely revamped, pains throughout the season; after A Capable Running Back knowledged there was still room and the team had just added Chase all, many of the players were young There was no doubt that Antonio for improvement. It lost five games Young to an already potent pass and learning a new system on top Gibson had a wealth of talent when by seven points or fewer, and if a rush. of having gone through a unique the team drafted him in the third couple of plays had different results, | By the time the season had offseason. Giving up big plays was round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He Washington could have secured its Friday • January 29 • 2021 ended, Washington had one of the an issue early in the season, and the even drew some comparisons to place in the playoffs -- and even im- most statistically dominating units defense struggled with defending Christian McCaffrey from Rivera. proved its seeding -- before Week 17. in . The team finished mobile quarterbacks like Russell But with Gibson spending most of Rivera and his players admitted second in passing yards allowed, Wilson, Lamar Jackson and Kyler his time at receiver while playing the season did not end how they 14th against the run, sixth in sacks Murray. for Memphis, it seemed like it would wanted, but there was still plenty and second overall. All four were Still, most of the unit’s key pieces take him some time to learn the of optimism for next season. The improvements from 2019, when the are returning next season, and position. young team will be armed with team finished 18th in passing, 31st safety and defensive Gibson slowly improved each another year’s worth of experience, against the run, 10th in sacks and will return week, and eventually he started and with some other additions, next 27th overall, and it finished third from injuries that ended their to show off his full rushing season could be even better. 15 N T I MES SH IN GTO A T TO THE W T I S IN G U PPLEME N TO VE R N T I MES SH IN GTO A THE W IA L AD A SPEC

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