Alex Smith has career day, Washington’s comeback falls short 30-27 (11-15-20)

By: Lamonte Thomas

Headline Photo Credit: Courtney Rivera-Washington Football Team

The Washington Football team squared off against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, November 15. The squad had new hopes and aspirations coming into this season with new head coach Ron Rivera but the sum of their season has been: a stellar defensive line, a blossoming running back in Antonio Gibson (basically the only one who wasn’t cut), and a quarterback carousel with an Energizer battery. However, at 2-6, the team has two divisional wins and is a game out of first place. Alex Smith is now running the show in Washington, and perhaps is the symbol of what the team is– Hopeful, tough, resilient, yet inevitably in need of an upgrade.

The first half told the story of a team that needs that resiliency, as they have now been outscored in the first half 37-6 in the last two games. Facing a 24-3 deficit (from 17-3 at half), Washington ignited. Some versatile play from J.D. Mckissic and Gibson plus downfield throws by Smith to Cam Sims, Logan Thomas, and Terry McLaurin tied the game at 24 with 16 seconds to play. That was too much for Matt Stafford. A roughing the passer penalty by Washington’s brilliant pass-rusher Chase Young led to a small pass and catch play and ultimately, a 59-yard dagger by field goal kicker Matt Stafford. Final Score 27-24 Detroit over Washington

The Washington Football Team (2-7) will host the Cincinnati Bengals (2-6-1) in Week 11. After being pounded by Pittsburgh, the Bengals will look to number one draft pick Joe Burrow to show that they are getting off the track that Washington is stuck on. The starting pace and the fourth quarter will most likely tell the tale of this matchup as well.