By. Dan Ryans
WASHINGTON–Football is back as the Washington Football Team is on the road this week to matchup against the New England Patriots in the first of three preseason games in 2021. The burgundy and gold are on a quest to repeat as NFC East Champions with their eyes set on a much bigger playoff run than last year’s Wild Card round exit. The starters are expected to play at least one series in Foxborough, but the game plan will be limited.
For Washington, the development of the young core is critical. For head coach Ron Rivera, he’s looking to see if the rookies sink or swim. “You let them go on with everybody else,” Rivera said when asked on Tuesday if he had any advice for them. “If they can’t get themselves up, you gotta be concerned. It’s too late to go home; now let’s go.” Coach Rivera also reiterated that he doesn’t worry about his team in the early stages of camp. “I think our young guys have the right frame of mind. I think they’ve had a good couple of weeks of practice in the preparation, and I look forward to watching our guys play.”
One rookie to look out for is second-round offensive lineman Sam Cosmi. He has been given a huge learning curve at camp so far. After all, replacing longtime offensive tackle Morgan Moses, who was released following the 2020 season, is no easy task. With 1-on-1 reps against Montez Sweat and Chase Young, he is slowly starting to hold his own, enough to get him the starting job on the unofficial depth chart.Washington needs communication. Players have to shine and take command on the field, especially at quarterback. Ryan Fitzpatrick is going for that QB1 spot. Even though Fitzy doesn’t need preseason games, he says that first impressions with his new squad are critical. “It’ll be good to get out there and go through the process with the guys,” said Fitzpatrick in an interview with NFL Network’s Kim Jones. “Even just the communication, in and out of the huddle, getting out there and looking at a play clock again, communicating with the line on a pass play and run plays… it’s good to get a little dress rehearsal, so I’m excited to get out there a little bit.”
Fitzpatrick will have an exciting challenge with Taylor Heinicke for the starting job. Unfortunately for Heinicke, Fitz Magic has the upper hand and nine more years of experience. But don’t be mistaken because this man has the potential to lead the charge. When Alex Smith was ruled out of last season’s Wild Card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with an injury, Heinicke was inserted and impressed everyone on the field, going 26 for 44, 306 yards, and a touchdown. Against a team that eventually won the Super Bowl, you have to give him a lot of credit.
The biggest thing going for this team is the defense. Fifth-year star DT Jonathan Allen recently signed a four-year $72 million extension and hopes to add another great season to his defensive resume. He will be joined by second-year lineman and reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young, who is also looking to have a better season with the club. The DMV native had 44 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 12 QB hits, and four forced fumbles in his outstanding rookie campaign.
Now there’s plenty of camps left to go before the season starts, but it’ll be great to finally see this Washington Football team go out in a real NFL game. With New England also giving its starters limited time on the field, it should be quite a battle to start. The kickoff starts at 7:30 pm EDT.
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