Washington falls late to Cleveland 34-20, Haskins struggles with 3 INT’s (9-27-20)

By: Darrell Owens

Headline Photo Credit: (Jimmy Longo/NFL and Aaron Doster/NFL)

Washington came into week 3 looking to move to 2-1 on the young season. They would travel to Cleveland to take on the Browns, who were looking to also move to 2-1 and post their first over .500 record since 2014. Washington was coming off a tough 30-15 loss against Arizona & Dwayne Haskins was hoping to improve on the Week 2 performance. Unfortunately for Haskins, Week 3 would continue the growing pains.

Haskins went 21-37, throwing for 224 yards, 2 touchdowns & 3 interceptions in the loss to Cleveland. Haskins 3 interceptions seem to come at miserable times. The first one happens as Washington was driving with a 7-3 lead, Karl Joseph would take the pick into Washington, were Cleveland would score off a Nick Chubb 16-yard run to give Cleveland at 10-7 lead. The second interception occurred deep in Washington’s own territory. Former Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith would snag pick number #2, which lead to Kareem Hunt 9-yard touchdown reception and 17-7 Browns lead.

The 3rd and final interception, BJ Goodson would pick off Haskins at the WAS 35, a couple plays later Nick Chubb would score on a 20-yard touchdown run giving Cleveland a 31-20 lead over Washington. Washington would have one more chance to get back in the game, but under tremendous amounts of pressure, Haskins would get stripped sacked at CLE 49, the Browns would take over, add a field goal and clinch the victory 34-20.

Outlook

Washington heads into Week 4 trying to find that magic from Week 1, but have a tough task at hand with the reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens coming into FedEx Field. Baltimore coming off a tough loss to the defending Super Bowl Champs, the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. Washington should expect to get the best out of Baltimore this Sunday.

Washington must find a way to get Haskins a little more time in the pocket, but Haskins must also work on his decision making and cut down on the turnovers heading into Week 4. Haskins’s performance in Week 4 will be crucial if he wants to keep the fan base on his side. Haskins has the talent to be special but in a league that sees Quarterbacks coming into the league and making an immediate impact makes that tough on him. Washington had chances to win in Week 3, but the mistakes last week can not happen against a very talented Ravens defense. If the Washington defense can find a way to contain Lamar Jackson from making plays with his feet, they may have a chance.

Washington Players with solid performances:
Dontrelle Inman- 3 rec, 38 yards & 2 TD
Terry McLaurin- 4 rec, 83 yard
Antonia Gibson- 9 carries, 49 yards 1 TD
Jonathan Allen- 9 Tackles, 1 sack
Montez Sweat- 4 tackles, 1 sack