2020 Schedule

2020 Schedule
7-9, 1st in NFC East
6d

J&J: The guys recap Wild Card Weekend

Time to give the people what they want… Jalen & Jacoby discuss the Browns' big win in Pittsburgh, Lamar Jackson running all over Titans and Jacoby’s Bills keep winning, Tom Brady balling out in Washington and Kevin Durant defending Kyrie Irving's mysterious absence. Plus, Alabama-Ohio State predictions!!!

Geoff Burke/USA Today Sports
7dJohn Keim

QB Smith not ready yet to make call on future

Alex Smith said he hasn't reached any conclusions yet about his future, saying he will take a few weeks to clear his head and talk over his future with his wife, Elizabeth.

Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports
8dJohn Keim

Heinicke's effort wows WFT: 'Plays with no fear'

Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke didn't win Saturday's playoff game against the visiting Bucs; he did, however, win over a team -- and maybe more. "I deserve to be in this league a little longer," said Heinicke, a pending free agent.

Matt Bowen ESPN Staff Writer 

Quick notes on Tampa's wild-card win over Washington — • Play-action with Tom Brady. 12/11 personnel. Verticals, deep overs, seams. Timing/rhythm throws. Best fit for this offense. • WASH QB Taylor Heinicke really battled. Worked through his progressions with speed. Hitting the schemed throws to beat zone coverage. Movement skills. Made plays outside of structure. • Todd Bowles dialed-up some pressure tonight. Sim pressures + extra rushers. Trying to speed up the clock for Heinicke there.

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer 

Washington's defense has been excellent in the second half this year. The team has allowed a league-low 5.69 points per game and a league-low 116.9 yards after halftime. The next closest in yards are the Rams at 136.6.

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer 

Tampa Bay 18, Washington 7: Washington can't waste opportunities and expect to beat Tampa Bay. They've dropped crucial passes -- none more killer than a deep shot to Cam Sims -- and have turned the ball over once. But QB Taylor Heinicke has not been the problem in his first NFL playoff start. Defensively, they're not applying enough pressure on Tom Brady and they've allowed 282 total yards. Washington's D has been much better after halftime; that trend must continue or else.

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer 

As much as Taylor Heinicke's legs have helped him Saturday, it's his knowledge of the offense that also really shines. On the third down pass to Steven Sims, he knew where the pressure was coming and where Sims should be. So he slid to his left at the snap and calmly hit Sims. Given the pressure and various looks Tampa presents, that knowledge is crucial. And the combination of mobility and knowledge of the offense will help Washington tonight.

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer 

Taylor Heinicke has only played two full quarters for Washington this season, but it's clear that he has a comfort level for this offense. He's not afraid to attack down the field and his legs have helped him make plays. Washington entered the game wanting to run the ball, but it might have to alter that strategy given the lack of success on the ground. When he has time, he's making plays.

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer 

Washington had two things happen on its first series that can't continue: It lost four yards on a first down run, thanks to poor blocking, and Cam Sims dropped a deep ball that would have given them possession inside the 50-yard line. In a game where you're a heavy underdog, Washington's players must help out QB Taylor Heinicke. And the run game must have better success on first down; even gains of three yards on first down will be OK.

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer 

Defensive keys: 1) Hit Tom Brady. It's easier said than done and, to do that, they must present looks that go against their tendency to make him pause. If they don't hit him, it'll be a long night. 2) No big plays. Another tough one, but with WRs Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Scotty Miller and Antonio Brown it's a necessity. 3) Vary the looks. That means along the front and in the secondary. Chicago did this, moving Khalil Mack all around -- and sometimes dropping him in a zone blitz. It worked.

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer 

Offensive keys: 1) Run the ball. Regardless of who was going to play QB, this was the main goal. Tampa has the NFL's best run defense so this will be tough; use the LB's aggressiveness against them with misdirection runs. 2) Beware the blitz. Taylor Heinicke is mobile, but it's his quick decision making that will be key. They disguise well and send from all over. 3) Handle the front. Ndamukung Suh is still good and adept at setting up teammates. Half their 48 sacks came out of a four-man rush.

John Keim ESPN Staff Writer 

Washington inactives: QB Alex Smith, RB Lamar Miller, LB Jordan Kunaszyk, OT David Steinmetz, WR Antonio Gandy-Golden and LB Thomas Davis Sr.

Team Stats

Passing Yards216.625th
Rushing Yards100.726th
Points For20.925th
Points Against20.629th