A look at the final score in Washington’s 20-16 Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, and most would believe it was a competitive game that came down to the wire. Heading into the game, it was considered by many to be a toss-up game.
While the game was competitive, Washington’s defense was historically bad, allowing the Chargers to convert on a ridiculous 14 of 19 third-down attempts. The 14 third-down conversions set a new Washington franchise record for futility.
Had Washington’s defense been able to get off the field at any point in the second half, the outcome of this game could have been much different.
So, whose stock is up after Week 1? And who has work to do?
Here is our weekly stock report for Washington.
Stock Up: QB Taylor Heinicke
Sep 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) attempts a pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The 28-year-old journeyman finally gets his chance in the regular season. Taylor Heinicke was outstanding in the playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He came in and played well. His feet and pocket awareness helped negate some of Washington’s struggles in pass protection.
Stock Down: Pass blocking
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
Washington allowed too many pressures on Sunday, considering it only dropped back to pass 21 times. Starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was consistently harassed on his six attempts. Right tackle Sam Cosmi was the biggest culprit but left tackle Charles Leno and right guard Brandon Scherff also allowed pressure.
Leno seemed to settle down later in the game. Scherff is an All-Pro and must be better.
Stock Up: WR Terry McLaurin
Sep 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) makes a reception as Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Nasir Adderley (24) defend during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Don’t blame Terry McLaurin for his rather pedestrian stat line on Sunday. He wasn’t even targeted in the first half. Of course, Washington only had the ball for around nine minutes.
Heinicke began to target McLaurin immediately in the third quarter and it paid off. McLaurin made the catch of the week and had three receptions on the Football Team’s opening drive in the second half that led to a touchdown.
Offensive coordinator Scott Turner must find ways to get McLaurin involved early.
Stock Down: Defensive line
Sep 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) passes the ball under pressure from Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young (99) in the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
This was the most disappointing aspect of Sunday’s loss. Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert attempted 47 passes and was rarely under pressure. This was against a defensive line with four first-round picks and a pair of young defensive ends who aspire to break the single-season sack record by teammates.
Washington needed more from its defensive line on Sunday. If this group underachieves like this again, Washington will likely lose again. This team is built to win up front.
Stock Up: TE Logan Thomas
Sep 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team tight end Logan Thomas (82) catches a touchdown pass over Los Angeles Chargers safety Nasir Adderley (24) in the third quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Read above to see McLaurin. Thomas wasn’t targeted until there was less than one minute remaining in the first half. On that drive, he made two catches to get Washington in position for a field goal. He then scored Washington’s only touchdown in the third quarter.
Thomas is a quarterback’s best friend. I would expect to see him with plenty of targets when Heinicke takes over.
Stock Down: Linebackers
Sep 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) is tackled by Washington Football Team linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) during the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
How many plays did Washington’s linebackers make on Sunday? Forget tackle stats. Yes, Cole Holcomb and Jon Bostic combined for 19 tackles. But how many impact plays did this group make? It’s a recurring theme. This group wasn’t bad or didn’t make any glaring mistakes, but there was no tangible impact on the game. Washington needs rookie Jamin Davis to get up to speed in a hurry.
In going back and watching the game, I was encouraged by several of Davis’ snaps. I look forward to him playing more with Holcomb in the near future.
Stock Up: CB William Jackson III
Sep 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team cornerback William Jackson III (23) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass against the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
William Jackson III had an impressive debut for the Washington Football Team. His interception to prevent a Chargers’ touchdown in the fourth quarter was clutch. He also played sticky coverage for most of the day. His play should ease some of those concerns from training camp.
