When your defense is struggling and needs a breather just ask the kicker to make a play. Yes, the kicker. That’s what the Washington Football Team essentially did Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
Down 21-0, Washington got on the board with a 73-yard touchdown catch by running back Antonio Gibson.
Then on the ensuing kickoff, a mishap by Bills returner Isaiah McKenzie allowed the football to bounce freely in the air.
After being touched by Washington linebacker Khaleke Hudson, kicker Dustin Hopkins recovered his own kickoff at the Bills 18-yard line.
That set up a diving touchdown at the pylon by quarterback Taylor Heinicke to give Washington 14 unanswered points. After trailing 21-0, Washington cut the deficit to 21-14 in a blink of an eye without its struggling defense touching the field.
Prior to the big plays by Gibson, Hopkins and Heinicke, Washington’s defense couldn’t stop Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Allen tossed three touchdowns in the first 20 minutes of the game.
Albeit, Washington’s offense had a hand with two turnovers — a Logan Thomas fumble and an interception by Heinicke. But, the season which started with high hopes from its defense, has got off to a rocky start. Good thing the offense and special teams stepped up for their slacking.
