Burgundy & Gold Reaction: Groundhog Day For Fans

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October 4, 2021

by David Earl

How Tone Deaf Can One Be?

While I was going to open up about the offense, as the title suggests Bobby McCain’s comment cannot be buried within this article. For far too long this fan base has had to endure harsh judgment by players, especially those new to the team, as a result of critical assessments of the defense’s poor play. From Chris Baker, D.J. Swearinger to now Bobby McCain, let’s just say this notion of “If you don’t support us now then don’t support us later,” remark is not just tiring but very disingenuous. These newly signed professionals are here for a few years, get paid, and can move on, while the fan base is here for the long haul. So please spare us your ridiculous posturing attempting to shame us into guilt as we tire of the continued ineptitude of this defense year in and year out. Well Bobby, after Chase Young‘s “No BS’ng” remark and time to get this right last week, your defense just allowed an Atlanta offense that is ranked in the bottom third in 3rd down conversions, yards and points per game march up and down the field.  This week, Atlanta was 10-16 on third downs (63% conversion rate) with predictable and back-breaking 3rd and long conversions for 1st downs. At least this defense is consistent though right?

The play above is indicative of just how terrible the defense as a unit has been this season. This one play alone just doesn’t define a very disappointing defense in 2021, but it’s groundhog day for this fan base. It was in November of last season when we really saw this defense “Transform” with Chase Young anchoring the line and the fan base buying in completely. Then, this offseason the talk among fans and media alike was that Washington had one of the best defensive lines in the league and a vastly improved secondary thanks to the additions of William Jackson III and Bobby McCain. Then, the linebacker corps was supposed to have been improved in the draft by the addition of an athletic freak in Jamin Davis who was supposed to cure the team’s coverage woes of that position. Needless to say, expectations were sky high and for good reason only to see Washington revert back to the historically awfully 2019 defense in the early stages of this season. The hire of Jack Del Rio was going to bring a competent and aggressive defense; instead, the fans are reliving the Joe Barry and Greg Manusky experience. It isn’t just in a poor 3rd down conversion rate – this unit seems lost and communication at all levels seems non-existent, which Lake Lewis has noticed each week.

Taylor Heinicke to Terry McLaurin is Potent!

Yes, Doc, this team fought to the end while keeping pace with Atlanta to pull out a crucial win of the backs of players like Terry McLaurin. As the heartbeat of this offense, Terry topped 100 yards for the 8th time in his young career and scored 2 TDs and averaged 20 yards per reception. Considering the quarterback carousel Terry had to endure to this point, the question should have never been IF he was good – imagine just how good he could be with a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson. Although Washington doesn’t have a quarterback of that caliber, Taylor Heinicke has proven to not only be a competent player, but he’s been a playmaker too. Regardless of whether Taylor is this team’s future or not, it’s become very obvious this offense is well suited for Taylor’s skill set. His mobility and pocket presence helps avoid drive-killing sacks plus his poise in the pocket has been a pleasant surprise. The following clip is a perfect depiction of what Taylor brings to Scott Turner and this offense:

Of course, Taylor will continue to have his detractors who look at the undrafted quarterback out of Old Dominion as a flash in the pan, but the numbers don’t lie. Thusfar this season, he’s led 2 late game-winning drives, tossed 8 touchdown passes, and has posted impressive quarterback ratings and an 69% completion percentage this season. Before people start to think that I’m ready to put him in the Redskins Ring of Honor, all I’m saying is what is being stated here as Taylor has been nothing short of impressive as our starter. The moxie he carries on the field and his short-term memory after a bad play – which is vital for a quarterback – gives this offense a chance every time he steps onto the field. While we will see what happens after a few more game tapes are made of him and how defenses alter their strategy going against Taylor, just as crucial is how Scott Turner adapts to keep putting Taylor in positions to succeed. At the start of the year, it wasn’t about having elite quarterback play with this supposedly “great defense”, but merely above average play from this position and not killing the team with terrible mental errors.  Taylor has absolutely provided all of these things. With the play of star receiver McLaurin, 2nd year running back Antonio Gibson looking more like a complete weapon, Curtis Samuel returning from injury, and a solid front line, Taylor will have no excuses as Washington moves into an ugly stretch of games ahead.

Final Thoughts

While my beginning rant about McCain’s tone-deaf statements is how many fans probably feel, at least Jonathan Allen appears to get it. Whether his response was a direct result of us, as fans, sick of all the empty promises or he’s simply done talking, this response is exactly what fans want from this unit. Fans don’t care about what a player will do, nor do they care about players’ fragile egos as we critically assess them. Just get it right and show it on the field. I can only hope Jon’s voice will be heard within the locker room and that Jack Del Rio to follows suit, as he does not get a pass either. The talent is there but names on paper do not win games as it’s the effort on the field is all that counts.

Offensively I am encouraged with Heinicke at the helm and Samuel on the field which opens up this offense. All this team does is score near 30 points a game with him at quarterback but probably the most important part here is McLaurin appears to have a stable situation with Taylor in place. Just imagine how good Terry will become if Taylor continues to grow and get better down the stretch, along with Samuel and Gibson to keep defenses honest. To those Heinicke detractors out there: why do you want him to fail when guys like Terry thrive with him under center? It’s time we allow a quarterback to actually develop and – here’s a novel idea – actually root for him and support him along the way.

One last point – I am finished with this Dustin Hopkins loyalty by the team. It’s time to cut ties now. I wish him well but it’s time for a fresh start for him and this team both.