Signed off the New England Patriots practice squad on Thursday night, flew into the Washington DC area Friday, and started at quarterback for the Washington Football Team on Tuesday night. That was the journey the past week for quarterback Garrett Gilbert.
Gilbert was thrust into a starting role Tuesday against the Philadelphia Eagles in a pivotal NFC East game with playoff implications on the line. It wasn’t the ideal situation. Normal starter Taylor Heinicke and backup Kyle Allen remain on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Neither were able to test out of COVID protocols in time for the game in Philadelphia.
Gilbert didn’t fret. He had spent two seasons with most of Washington’s offensive coaching staff while with the Carolina Panthers, including Washington head coach Ron Rivera.
From the opening play, Gilbert showed off his familiarity with offensive coordinator Scott Turner’s system. Gilbert hit running back Antonio Gibson for a 19-yard gain on the first play off the game.
Gilbert went on to complete 20-of-31 passes for 194 yards. More importantly he didn’t make costly mistakes. He didn’t turn the football over.
In turn Washington fought and had a chance for much of the game before falling short 27-17.
“He gave a heck of an effort,” Rivera said following game per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post. “His timing and rhythm was off a little bit and it showed he hadn’t enough reps. … But he made some plays. He fought and battled and you appreciate that.”
Gilbert relied on underneath throws. He targeted Gibson and tight end Ricky Seals-Jones seven times each. However, he took his chances when available, connecting with wide receiver Terry McLaurin for a 46-yard pickup that set up a field goal in the first quarter.
“I got nothing but respect for Garrett,” McLaurin said per NBC Sports’ Pete Hailey. “He picked up the things that we were doing for this game plan very quickly… He did his job”
Tuesday was just Gilbert’s second career NFL start. He’s bounced around trying to stick. He’s played one game for the Panthers in 2018, five with the Cleveland Browns in 2019 and one game last year with the Dallas Cowboys.
But considering all the dynamics leading into Tuesday’s game, Gilbert pulled off his best performance of his NFL life.
His future is uncertain with Washington. There’s a chance Heinicke or Allen could be back in time for Sunday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. If not, Gilbert looks like he is more than capable of handling signal-calling duties.
There are no moral victories in the NFL. Yet, Washington fought through 13 players missing the game due to COVID-19. And the newly signed QB on short notice played his heart out.
