Washington’s four game winning streak came to an end Sunday with a tough loss to the Seattle Seahawks 20-15 at FedEx Field. Washington did its’ typical slow start and fast finish but this time they couldn’t get over the hump. There were adverse circumstances against the team however in the mold of a Ron Rivera team they fought until the bitter end. Let’s take a final look back at the game and what worked well and what did not.

The Good

1. Logan Thomas- Logan Thomas is now starting to produce at a high level for Washington. Thomas has always played with great effort but he is now showing ability as a pass catching tight end. Yesterday Thomas had 13 receptions for 101 yards. Thomas helped the team finish 10-17 on third downs. Thomas may not be a top tier tight end but he can definitely play and fits the mold of this team.
2. Pass Defense- The defense continues to impress and they did a masterful job against a good Seahawks passing attack. The defense held Russell Wilson to 18 of 27 for 121 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Star receiver DK Metcalf was contained well only registering 5 receptions for 43 yards. This kind of defense will take you far. Great job by the secondary in coverage.
3. JD McKissic- A journeyman running back has found a home in Washington. McKissic has stepped up to the plate, especially with Antonio Gibson being hurt the last few games. McKissic had 13 carries for 53 yards and 9 receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown. McKissic has shown growth in this offense and is turning into a solid play maker.

The Bad

1. First Half Offense- Once again the offense got off to an extremely slow start registering just a field goal in the first half. The offense totaled 122 yards of offense with two punts and an interception along with that field goal. The play calling was extremely basic and not imaginative at all. This slow start hurt the team’s chance of winning yesterday.
2. Run Defense- Washington’s run defense has been the weaker part of the defensive attack. Not having linebackers Kevin Pierre-Louis and Cole Holcomb hurt, however three different Seahawks were able to get over 50 yards rushing. Chris Carson had 63 yards on 15 carries, Carlos Hyde had 55 yards and a touchdown on 2 carries, and Russell Wilson had 52 yards on 6 carries. Washington must sure that up in these final two games of the regular season.
3. Dwayne Haskins- In the first half quarterback Dwayne Haskins looked pretty bad. You could tell the pressure was on him and he was super mechanical and lifeless in the first half. The first interception, which I feel was for Cam Sims and Isaiah Wright tipped it, cost the team a chance at three points. In the second half when the offense was spread out and played with tempo, Haskins looked decisive and quick. If that’s how he plays then Scott Turner needs to have the offense called that way. We need second half Haskins all the time.

The Ugly

1. Drops- Dwayne Haskins had some mistakes but others did as well. The receiving corps did not help Haskins out with some drops along the way. Haskins plays a part in that because some of throws were coming in fast, but as NFL receivers are supposed to catch those. When your offense is struggling all players have to step up.
2. Burgundy on Burgundy-  I love the all burgundy look that the team wore yesterday. The team hasn’t been successful in that combination in a long time. I do like how Coach Rivera is mixing up things and breaking traditions with uniforms. As long as those yellow pants stay away, I am happy.
3. NFC East- The Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals helped out Washington with wins over the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles respectively. The Dallas Cowboys were able to beat the San Francisco 49ers to stay alive in the division race. Washington has their one game lead and if they can beat Carolina on Sunday they will knockout the Cowboys and Eagles. If the Giants lose to the Baltimore Ravens then Washington could clinch on Sunday and not have to worry about week 17. Either way Washington controls their own destiny by winning their last two games they are in the playoffs. You can’t ask for a better scenario and Washington should take advantage of it.

Felix Trammell