The Washington Football Team completed a disappointing 7-10 season with their win over the woeful New York Giants Sunday. Struggles in the offense and defense throughout the year played factors into Washington’s fifth consecutive losing season.
Fans have campaigned for head coach Ron Rivera to make a change from offensive coordinator Scott Turner. Some have also wanted a switch from defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio.
However, when asked if there will be any coaching staff changes, Rivera put the speculation to rest.
“No, I don’t anticipate doing anything other than the things that we need to do to go forward,” Rivera responded per John Keim of ESPN.
Both Turner and Del Rio were hired by Rivera when he took the Washington head coach job in 2020. After winning the NFC East and making the playoffs last season with a losing record, Washington entered the 2021 season with higher expectations.
Unfortunately, the team never met those expectations. They started the season 2-6. Although they climbed to 6-6 with a four-game winning streak, they faltered down the stretch losing four in a row before Sunday’s win at the Giants.
Scott Turner’s play-calling was limited
Turner’s play-calling has been questionable throughout the season. However, he lost his starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for the season in Week 1. He turned to fan-favorite Taylor Heinicke, who Turner seems fond of, yet Heinicke’s limitations that includes a lack of arm strength and decision-making were exposed in the 15 games he started this season.
This year’s big free agent pickup wide receiver Curtis Samuel played in just five games due largely due to a lingering groin injury. Tight end Logan Thomas missed 11 games due to two injuries, including a season-ending torn ACL.
Running back Antonio Gibson was banged up throughout the season. Third down back and a key part of their passing game JD McKissic missed the final five games with a concussion. And finally the team had a litany of injuries along the offensive line.
They’re not excuses for Turner, just reality.
Washington defense took a step back
Meanwhile, Del Rio already stated last week he felt he “will be” back next season. Washington had a top-5 defense in 2020 playing against several backup quarterbacks. But this year, the defense struggled and was scorched at the start of this season.
Defensive end Chase Young suffered a torn ACL in Week 10. Fellow defensive end Montez Sweat missed six games due to injury, COVID-19 and the tragic death of his older brother. Yet, Washington’s vaunted pass rush was non-existence throughout the season even when Young and Sweat were on the field.
Del Rio made adjustments, such as making Landon Collins a hybrid safety/linebacker, allowing Bobby McCain and Kamren Curl to play in natural safety spots together. Washington’s defense played better in the second half of the season minus two letdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15 and Dallas Cowboys in Week 16.
Hopefully, Rivera’s decision to stick with Turner and Del Rio for a third season comes to fruition for Washington in 2022.
