Ron Rivera continues overnight overhaul of Washington roster
When Landon Collins joined Washington in 2019, he told friends something needed to change. Since Ron Rivera took over as coach and head of football operations on New Year's Day 2020, he has entirely remade the team in his image. Just 18 players brought in by the previous regime led by former president Bruce Allen and coach Jay Gruden are part of Washington’s initial 53-man roster — a quick and substantial overhaul even in a league full of turnover.
news.yahoo.comQB Heinicke re-signs with Washington for $8.75M over 2 years
Washington re-signed quarterback Taylor Heinicke to an $8.75 million, two-year contract, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)Washington re-signed quarterback Taylor Heinicke on Wednesday to a two-year, $8.75 million contract. Heinicke was out of football and taking college classes online when Washington signed him to the practice squad in December. “We all saw how Taylor Heinicke played in the playoff game,” executive vice president of personnel and football Marty Hurney said. Signed to be the “quarantine quarterback," Heinicke went 12 of 19 for 137 yards and a touchdown in that game.
Rodgers leads Pack to top of NFC after draft disappointment
(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)The NFC playoff field features the usual cast of quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Russell Wilson. Last Lombardi: Super Bowl 45, 31-25 over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Feb. 6, 2011, at Arlington, Texas. Last Lombardi: Super Bowl 48, 43-8 over the Denver Broncos on Feb. 2, 2014, at East Rutherford, N.J. Last year: No. The Bears’ leading tackler left in the first quarter of the Green Bay game with an elbow injury. DBs Buster Skrine, rookie Jaylon Johnson and Deon Bush missed the loss to Green Bay.
Mr. Smith goes to Washington, takes another team to playoffs
Washington Football Team's Alex Smith plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Philadelphia. Alex Smith is the biggest reason Washington became the first team in the Super Bowl era to start 2-7 and make the playoffs. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton, File)If the Alex Smith story becomes a movie, Alex Smith doesn't want to see it. “When Alex Smith plays quarterback, they’re a heck of a football team,” Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians said. "They’re an extremely well-coached team, a ton of talent on that defensive front, but Alex Smith is really the key to everything.”How is that possible?
Washington beats the Eagles 20-14, captures NFC East title
Washington Football Team's Logan Thomas (82) catches a touchdown against Philadelphia Eagles' T.J. Edwards (57) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Philadelphia. Alex Smith threw two touchdown passes and Washington beat the Philadelphia Eagles 20-14 Sunday night to capture the lowly NFC East. Washington opened the season with a 27-17 victory over the Eagles. Dwayne Haskins started that game for Washington and Carson Wentz for Philadelphia. Eagles: They face difficult decisions in the offseason, including figuring out which quarterback they plan to build around for 2021.
Washington beaten by Panthers, fails to clinch NFC East
Haskins' failed second chance coupled with a special teams blunder and defensive miscues added up to Washington blowing its first chance to clinch the NFC East by losing to the Carolina Panthers 20-13 on Sunday. With Christian McCaffrey out again, Curtis Samuel had five catches for 106 yards and was the Panthers' leading rusher with 52 yards on seven carries. 2 pick forced Bridgewater to fumble on a sack in Washington territory early in the third quarter to prevent Carolina from putting up even more points. Washington: Played without top WR Terry McLaurin, who couldn't keep gutting through a nagging ankle injury. Washington: Gets another chance to win the NFC East next Sunday at Philadelphia.
Prater’s 59-yard FG lifts Lions to 30-27 win over Washington
(AP Photo/Duane Burleson)DETROIT – The Detroit Lions leaned on their dynamic duo for comebacks and they came through again. Matthew Stafford directed the final drive with just 16 seconds left to set up Matt Prater's 59-yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Lions to a 30-27 win over Washington on Sunday. Prater made a go-ahead, 37-yard field goal with 2:42 remaining. It made a field goal and had a punt, missed field goal and Terry McLaurin's fumble on the possessions. In the second half, Washington got into the end zone on 82- and 84-yard drives and had the ball midway through the fourth quarter down a touchdown.
Detroit Lions avoid disaster, beat Washington Football Team 30-27 at the buzzer: Live updates recap
Lions 27, Football Team 248:53 -- Washington Football Team drive starts on own 34Third-and-5 for Washington after Smith tosses one away out of the pocket. 7:52 -- Washington Football Team drive starts on own 18Justin Coleman is back in the game to start the second half. Lions 24, Football Team 1015:00 -- Detroit Lions drive starts on own 25D’Andre Swift opens the half with a 3-yard gain. Lions 24, Football Team 3HALFTIME -- Detroit Lions 17, Washington Football Team 3Halftime analysis: Lions QB Matthew Stafford looks fine after injuring throwing handSecond quarter:01 -- Washington Football Team drive starts on own 32Kneel into the half. 8:01 -- Detroit Lions drive starts on own 33Third-and-10 quickly here, Lions look to avoid a three-and-out -- incomplete look for Marvin Hall.
mlive.comD’Andre Swift is the top fantasy football play in Detroit amid murky Lions-Washington matchup
D’Andre Swift has maintained a consistent role in the offense, seeing increased rush attempts since the Lions returned from their bye. Swift has quietly registered double-digit fantasy points in four of the last five games, with Detroit’s dud against Indy standing alone. But, for now, Swift is looking like the best and safest fantasy option out of Detroit in Week 10. He’s seen a team-leading 18 targets with Golladay missing in action over these previous two weeks. He’s seen seven looks in the red zone, adding a little fuel to his standing as an under-the-radar bargain play.
mlive.comLooking ahead: Chase Young and Washington’s heavily-invested in DL already making noise
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions will host a Washington Football Team going through some sustained uncertainty under center in Week 10 at Ford Field. While the instability at quarterback grabs the attention, this Washington team is all about its defense. That’s what I like about our football team is we got a lot of young guys right now that are playing, doing some good things. The Football Team is led by Chase Roullier at center and Brandon Scherff at right guard. See below for the five previous meetings:2019 -- Washington 19, Lions 162016 -- Lions 20, Washington 172013 -- Lions 27, Washington 202010 -- Lions 37, Washington 252009 -- Lions 19, Washington 14
mlive.comJones, Giants hold on to beat Washington for 2nd victory
Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) warming up before the start of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. Jones absorbed contact on a blindside sack, held on to the ball and Logan Ryan intercepted Alex Smith not long after to seal a 23-20 victory against Washington. "That's been a focus of mine: I obviously know the importance of holding on to the ball," Jones said. Allen injured his left ankle late in the first quarter, forcing Smith into just his second NFL game since gruesomely breaking his right leg in November 2018. UP NEXTThe Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles in their second-last NFC East game this season, while Washington visits the Detroit Lions.
Murray runs for 2 TDs, Cardinals roll past Washington 30-15
Washington (1-1) finally scored a touchdown with 12:20 left in the fourth quarter when Dwayne Haskins hit Terry McLaurin for a 24-yard score. The Cardinals' revamped defense had a big day, holding Washington scoreless until Dustin Hopkins hit a 24-yard field goal late in the third quarter. Murray's pass into coverage was picked off by Landon Collins, giving Washington great field position at the Arizona 19. He was completely alone in the back of the end zone on third down and Murray hit him for the 4-yard score to make it 7-0. ... Washington right guard Brandon Scherff (knee) was hurt just before halftime and gingerly walked off the field with the help of medical staff.