Burgundy & Gold Reaction: Week 10 Takeaways and a Slye Win

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November 16, 2022

by David Earl

Joey “The Leg” Slye

Before we talk about any aspect of this game, just how big was that 58 yard field goal from Joey Slye? This field goal capped off a 16-0 run to end the half and ensured all momentum stayed with Washington. I am sure many were doing precisely what I was doing – sitting on the edge of my chair when that kick just made it inside the left upright, with a sense of cautious optimism running through my veins. It was a moment where endless scenarios were running through my head, with the pessimistic “how will we screw this up” ringing the loudest. Yeah, my nerves were shot throughout halftime and the second half only to be rewarded in the end. The much-maligned and criticized kicker had a performance that could very well be looked back on as that was the moment responsible for a playoff birth. Slye came through when the moment was at its biggest in prime time against an undefeated, hated rival, and pretty much had the season on the line with his legs. He deserves of every fan’s game ball and praise, but there’s a lot of the season left and Joey Slye cannot live off this performance alone especially if there’s any hope of a playoff run.

Scott Turner and the Defense

Scott Turner may have arguably coached his best game as an offensive coordinator for Washington. Entering this game the Philadelphia Eagles’ biggest weakness was defending the run and Scott exploited that to its fullest in a Brian Robinson Jr. breakout performance. He went to big formations, utilizing multiple tight ends to pistol spread formations in play designs with Curtis Samuel as a running back. The effective running between the tackles and misdirection plays using Curtis Samuel opened up the passing lanes to wide-open wide receivers all night. The offense’s 3rd down conversion rate coming into this game was well below league average, but Washington converted 9-12 third downs in the first half alone while dominating trenches on third and short all game long. Monday’s third down rate success led to a passing attack that was only limited to a few bad decisions by Taylor Heinicke, including 1 interception. Scott Turner kept the Eagles’ top-rated pass defense guessing and allow Terry McLaurin to exploit Darius Slay for 8 receptions in 11 targets and 128 yards receiving.

As far as Heinicke, he has certainly earned the starting job for at least 1 more week, even if Carson Wentz is healthy to return now. While we saw the bad in the game against Minnesota, Monday night also showed the version of Heinicke that this team completely rallies around. The pass intercepted by C.J. Gardner-Johnson had two issues, as he simply floated the ball McLaurin’s way. As Troy Aikman eluded to, he failed to look the safety off as Curtis Samuel broke into a post route which kept Gardner-Johnson in the perfect position to make the play. Then the ball placement was just terrible as if he led McLaurin to the pylon over his left should the safety has no play while McLaurin has a step for a TD. Even thought I pointed out the negative, this game exemplified the precision Heinicke can have when everything is right mechanically. The 42 yard completion to Terry McLaurin was a pass that could not have been placed any better over his outside shoulder and in stride. These 2 examples are what you live and die by with Taylor Heinicke, with some great coupled by downright awful games like last week against Minnesota. Yet, through this crazy roller coaster ride, this team continues to rally around him.  That’s why Ron Rivera must continue forward with Taylor as the starting quarterback. Carson Wentz has lived through this before, and if he is not mature enough mentally to understand why Taylor is the guy, at least for next week, going forward, well, that’s unfortunate as Ron Rivera will have to face that song too.

Larry Csonka Toasts the Night

Busting the aspirations of the Philly fan base for a perfect season as they looked past Washington make this victory all so sweet. Everything was playing against Washington heading into this game, which was against what appeared a powerhouse team in their home stadium. The fans rallied early as Washington gave up a quick 7 points in the first quarter. While many Washington fans, myself included, thought “here we go again” as that touchdown drive was just too easy, no one could have predicted what transpired the rest of the way. They dominated the time of possession (40:24 to 19:36), the turnover battle, and, most importantly, the trenches on 3rd and short to go. It was just the perfect way to knock off the perfect rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, and also constructed a perfect blueprint for beating this NFC favorite that teams like the Giants and Titans can certainly utilize. Yes, Larry Csonka, this Washington team and fan base gladly raise our glasses to you and the 1972 Miami Dolphins.