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5 takeaways from Washington's 20-16 loss to the Chargers

The Washington Football Team began the 2021 season with a 20-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers to fall to 0-1 on the young season.

Now, the Football Team has a short week to get ready for the New York Giants as the division rivals meet on Thursday night at FedEx Field.

It was an ugly start to the game for Washington as Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert moved the ball down the field with ease to give the Chargers an early 7-0 lead.

Despite the Chargers dominating time of possession, they went into halftime with only a 13-9 lead. Washington kicker Dustin Hopkins connected on a 48-yard field goal just before the half after backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke put Washington in field-goal position.

Heinicke was in the game for Washington as starter Ryan Fitzpatrick injured his hip on a sack by the Chargers. Fitzpatrick did not return, and the severity of his injury is not known at this time.

Now, here are our five takeaways after Washington’s season-opening loss to the Chargers.

Los Angeles QB Justin Herbert is legit

Sep 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) passes the ball as Washington Football Team linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) defends in the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into this game, no one doubted how good Herbert was. He exceeded even the greatest of expectations with his performance in Week 1. Herbert rarely made a mistake against Washington. The one time he did, an interception in the red zone, the Chargers quickly got the ball back and scored.

Herbert had a clean pocket for much of the day, which helps, but he also proved how good he could be on the run. As long as Herbert stays healthy, the Chargers will be a yearly contender.

No pass rush

Sep 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team defensive end Montez Sweat (90) causes a fumble on an attempted pass by Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) in the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Remember this summer when Washington defensive end Montez Sweat said he and Chase Young’s goal in 2021 was to break the NFL single-season sack record by teammates?

Washington’s pass rush was nonexistent for much of the game on Sunday. Sweat did get pressure on Herbert, forcing a fumble where the ball went into the back of the end zone for a touchback for Washington.

Jonathan Allen also had a sack for Washington. But, the duo of Young and Sweat combined for one sack and one hit on the quarterback. This was Washington going against a completely rebuilt offensive line that lost veteran starter Bryan Bulaga during the game with an injury.

Unacceptable.

Washington needs its vaunted defensive line to take over games. That’s the expectation. The Chargers had the better defensive line on Sunday and it wasn’t even close.

3rd down defense absolutely dreadful

Sep 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs after a catch against the Washington Football Team during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers converted on 14 of 19 third-down attempts on Sunday. They were actually 14 for 18 as the final kneel-down helped Washington’s pathetic numbers ever so slightly.

There were countless times during this game the team couldn’t get off the field when it mattered. At one point in the fourth quarter, Washington had Los Angeles in a 3rd-and-16, yet, somehow Keenan Allen comes through with a clutch catch, and the drive continues.

There’s the decisive touchdown reception from Mike Williams. It was third down, and rookie corner Benjamin St-Juste couldn’t make the play, which proved to be the decisive points.

Washington’s ineptitude actually broke one of the franchise’s records.

Yuck.

Pass blocking an issue for Washington

Sep 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is hit by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) during the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Fitzpatrick wasn’t in the game long for Washington, but he was under consistent duress the entire time he played. Offensive tackles Sam Cosmi and Charles Leno struggled. Cosmi really struggled against Joey Bosa, which was to be expected. The coaching staff should have given Cosmi help.

Heinicke hid some of the pass-blocking deficiencies when he entered the game because of his legs. He could escape pressure and move around the pocket to buy extra time.

It wasn’t a good day for Washington’s new offensive tackles.

Fumble ruins an overall solid day for Antonio Gibson

Sep 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) fumbles the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The one play everyone will remember from Antonio Gibson in Week 1 was the fumble after Washington cornerback William Jackson III intercepted Herbert inside the WFT five-yard line. On the very next play, Gibson fumbled the football, and the Chargers recovered. Three plays later, the Chargers scored the go-ahead touchdown.

Gibson had a solid day for Washington. He carried the football 20 times for 90 yards; he also caught three passes for 18 yards. Gibson looked good in short-yardage situations and ripped off one long run.

Yet, all anyone will remember is that fumble. It’s a shame for Gibson.

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