Fan Expectations For 2021 Season

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September 3, 2021

by David Earl

Positive Outlook Towards Season

As was the case heading into Washington’s 2013 campaign, fans have optimistic expectations entering the 2021 season. Unlike the 2013 season, this particular team has genuine reasons to be optimistic beyond this season. As opposed to following the hype of RG3‘s “All in for week 1” only to see heartbreaking reality unfold before us that year and the coming years, we are witnessing a much different dynamic. Under Ron Rivera‘s leadership, this organization has flushed out the guarantees and empty promises which in the past resulted in disappointment. The construction of today’s roster has been calculating and, for the most part, trending in the right direction where it’s been more of a prove-it mentality with accountability compared to locker room bravado amounting to nothing.

The lack of big plays was certainly the theme last year as Washington ranked near the bottom with one of the worst quarterback situations in the entire NFL. Insert Ryan Fitzpatrick, who ranked 8th in yards per attempt (7.8) and ranking 5th in total QBR (70.9) whereas Alex Smith finished near the bottom in both categories. Washington had at least 3 losses last year where even slightly better play by the quarterback position could have been enough to push the team closer to a 10 win season. No one knows whether Fitzpatrick would have won those games. Will we even see the Fitzpatrick of the last 3 years going into the 2021 season? We don’t know, but he certainly cannot be worse, right? It’s not that far-fetched to think a young defense one year better plus an upgrade at quarterback from last year, along with a vastly improved skilled position group can certainly lead this team to a 10+ win season.

As this young defense enters the 2021 season with all the hype, both local and national, the fact that this unit still has serious questions at the linebacker position should not be ignored. While Jamin Davis comes in with impressive tools especially in coverage, this preseason showed his smallish frame for the middle linebacker role, and can become a liability against NFL guards. In coverage, he does look the part but if he cannot shed a block during a running play it presents problems defending the run. I won’t go as far as calling him a bust but this year may be inconsistent for the second level of our defense with many hills and valleys. If, for some reason, Washington’s quarterback play isn’t improved enough, this defense could be exposed late in games when time becomes a bigger factor.

Next comes maybe the biggest question of this team, which is the new changes in the offensive line. The interior of the line looks fine – the reacquisition of Flowers looks like a solid move while Scherff, if healthy, will lock down the right guard position. The big question mark will be the offensive tackles, Charles Leno and rookie Samuel Cosmi. Cosmi was a little rough to start off camp and was inconsistent in his first preseason game, but since seemed to begin to settle in fine. This unit will absolutely be crucial – if it fails and prevents any significant improvement in quarterback play then the defense potentially can find themselves on the field far too long. If this scenario was to play out negatively, Washington’s linebacker position could be exposed late in games. So, while optimism seems to exist within this fan base it would be wise to hold more of a cautiously optimistic view.

My Season Prediction (10-7)

Chargersā€¦L

Giantsā€¦W

Billsā€¦L

Falconsā€¦W

Saintsā€¦W

Chiefsā€¦L

Packersā€¦L

Broncosā€¦W

Buccaneersā€¦L

Panthersā€¦W

Seahawksā€¦L

Raidersā€¦W

Cowboysā€¦W

Eaglesā€¦W

Cowboysā€¦L

Eaglesā€¦W

Giantsā€¦W