How far down the road is Washington for consistent success?

The other day, someone asked the question, “Why did Washington go 7-10?” What are the first couple of answers that come to your mind; injuries? Coaching? COVID-19? Depth? Lack of talent? If you want objectivity, I would tell you that there is truth to each answer. First, however, let’s look further into the question. Head Coach Ron Rivera came here to win, and despite his failed attempts to temper expectations surrounding the team, he’s been losing on the field. Rivera is 14-19 as Washington’s head coach, and by his admission, is heading into an important season in his tenure. 

Rivera has also expressed the urgency that the team has to find a quarterback. So it is safe to say that they will leave no stone unturned; however, when (or if) they find a quarterback, is the story over? 

The answer is no. Not for Washington. Yes, finding your quarterback makes life easier, but unless you find a transcendent talent, the roster has to be a B grade or better to have consistent success. How far down the road is Washington for consistent success? 

For comparative purposes, look at each of the teams in this year’s divisional round of the playoffs. 

• The Kansas City Chiefs offense has an elite quarterback in Patrick Mahomes, an elite tight end in Travis Kelca e, a top-tier receiver in Tyreek Hill, and a good supporting cast. But the elite talent is there offensively. Looking at their defense, Safety Tyrann Mathieu is still a top player at his position, to go along with their elite interior lineman Chris Jones. This year, the defense is ranked 27th in yards 8th in points, but a year ago, they were 16th in yards and 10th in points, respectively. The unit has had a down year, but they will always be competitive because of the elite talent in place and a solid supporting cast.

 

• The Cincinnati Bengals offense has potentially elite players in Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, a strong, consistent running back in Joe Mixon, and a good supporting cast. In addition, the Bengals have a good defensive line that had become one of the top ten pass-rush units in 2021 when they were dead last in 2020. More information is needed on Burrow and Chase to see how sustainable their performances can be over time, but they are trending upward.

 

• The Tennessee Titans offense has a future hall of fame running back Derrick Henry and top-tier receivers in Julio Jones and A.J. Brown. Defensively, edge rusher Harold Landry has found his way. Jeffrey Simmons is a good interior defensive lineman. In addition, their defense is one of the better teams in the league against the run.

 

• The San Francisco 49ers offense has wide receiver Deebo Samuel, offensive tackle Trent Williams, and tight end George Kittle. Each is an elite talent at their respective position group. Further, their supporting cast is there. Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are two elite talents at the defensive end and linebacker that the 49ers can build around.

 

• The Green Bay Packers offense have quarterback Aaron Rodgers, running back Aaron Jones, and wide receiver Davante Adams who are all elite talents at their position. The Packers will always be in good shape with a good supporting cast as long as Rodgers is there. Defensively, their front seven is impressive with edge rushers Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Za’Darius Smith (currently on injured reserve), and defensive lineman Kenny Clark. These key players for the Packers are impactful players that contribute to the Packers’ success.

 

• The Los Angeles Rams offense has quarterback Matt Stafford, receiver Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods (on injured reserve), and Odell Beckham Jr with a solid supporting cast. In addition, the Rams have future hall of fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald and elite cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

 

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense has quarterback Tom Brady, receiver Mike Evans, Rob Gronkowski, a tremendous offensive line, and a good supporting cast. In addition, the Buccaneers have a top three front seven in the NFL with linebackers Devin White, Shaquil Barrett, Lavonte David, and defensive lineman Jason Pierre-Paul, Ndamukong Suh, and Vita Vea. Their front seven makes an impact nearly every single game.

 

• The Buffalo Bills offense has quarterback Josh Allen and receiver Stefon Diggs, two top-tier talents at their position, with plenty of room to be elite. Defensively the Bills have cornerback Tre’Davious White (on injured reserve), safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. Each of these players is building blocks for the Bills, who have now won the AFC East two straight years and made the playoffs four out of their last five seasons.

Now that we have context and know some of the key players on each team, compare that to Washington’s roster and how they stack against the teams who are consistently in the playoff conversation (except the Bengals). Washington’s best players on offense and defense are not elite. Terry McLaurin is an excellent wide receiver, and while he has been hindered with the poor quarterback play, he is not elite yet. On the other hand, Jonathan Allen is Washington’s best defensive player; he’s an outstanding player and had an elite season.

Each of these teams in the divisional round has elite talent on both sides of the football, or potentially elite, and it’s not just one player. The only other way to have success without many elite players on a team’s roster is excellent coaching, along with every player willing to commit to a team-first mindset, and Washington doesn’t have either of those two in place. 

So let’s ask the question again, how far down the road is Washington for consistent success?

They are far behind, but it does not mean that they can’t close the gap quickly, as some teams do. Sure, there are other factors to consider when assessing a team’s win-loss production. However, when it comes to talent for Washington, they will be better off hitting in free agency and the draft sooner rather than later. Otherwise, we will be in the same place at the same time next year, asking the same questions.