We have hit the boring part of the year. The 2021 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, and the regular season is still three months away. Despite coming off their first NFC East division title since 2015, the Washington Football Team aren’t the favorites to win the division. As we wait for the regular season to roll around, several questions need answering. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Be sure to check out the May Edition of Washington True or False.
Washington Should be Favorites to Win the Division?
False. Last season, Washington won the division despite a 7-9 record. Furthermore, the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants were one win away from winning the division at 6-10. If not for a season-ending injury in Week 5, Dak Prescott would have likely led the Cowboys to an 8-8 or 9-7 record and won the division. With Prescott expected to be ready for Week 1, the Cowboys are the current favorites to win the NFC East. However, that doesn’t mean Washington shouldn’t have close to the same odds. If the defense can take a step forward from last year and the offense can average 24 points per game, then Washington should win the division for the second year in a row.
Releasing Morgan Moses was the Right Decision?
True, but still to be determined. With Moses entering the final year of a five-year, $38.5 million deal he signed in April 2017, he counted for $8.7 million against the cap in 2021. By releasing him, the team opened $7.8 million in space. At 30 years old, combined with the injuries and, at times, inconsistent play, letting Moses go wasn’t the wrong decision. Washington will have veteran Cornelius Lucas and youngsters Samuel Cosmi and Saahdiq Charles battle it out to replace Moses in 2021. Assuming Washington uses the extra $7.8 million in cap space to sign Brandon Scherff or Jonathan Allen to a long-term deal, moving on from Moses was the correct move.
Washington Should Consider Adding Another Running Back?
True. Antonio Gibson is a star in the making and should play 75 percent or more of the snaps this season. However, the depth behind him is embarrassing. J.D. McKissic is an excellent receiving back. However, he isn’t capable of a lead role if Gibson misses time with an injury. Behind him are Peyton Barber, Lamar Miller, and undrafted rookie Jaret Patterson. At 5’9”, Patterson has no future as the top backup, while Barber and Miller shouldn’t be on an active roster. However, Washington doesn’t need to make a massive trade for a running back. Instead, Washington should sign a veteran like Adrian Peterson or hope a veteran like Raheem Mostert gets released between now and the start of training camp.
Chase Young and Montez Sweat will Combine for 22 or more Sacks this Season?
True. Last season the duo had 16.5 sacks in 31 combined games. Entering his second year in the league, Young is in a position to hit double-digits by himself. Meanwhile, Sweat led the team with nine sacks last year after having seven as a rookie. With Ryan Kerrigan now a member of the Philadephia Eagles, it will open up more snaps and opportunities for Young and Sweat to get sacks. Furthermore, the extra game this season should help them reach this goal. It shouldn’t come as a surprise if Young and Sweat both each have 12 or more sacks this season.
[pickup_prop id=”5442″]
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @ptsportstalk
Follow Mike Fanelli on Twitter @Mike_NFL2
Main Image Credit:
Embed from Getty Images
2 Responses