Washington Football Team: 3 Can’t-miss games on the 2021 schedule
By Tadhg Flynn
2. Washington Football Team vs. Seattle Seahawks, Week 12 (MNF)
Washington was among the most improved teams in the NFL last season, both in win total and defensive solidity. After head coach Ron Rivera came on board, the wins doubled and the defense became one of the league’s leading units. This season, the Football Team will be looking to prove it was no fluke. Their Week 12 game against the Seattle Seahawks should be the perfect opportunity to flex their defensive muscle.
One of the major stories early in the NFL offseason was Russell Wilson possibly wanting out from the Seahawks. Wilson wanted more protection and freedom from the franchise to play an expansive passing scheme. He was right about protection, as he has been sacked more than any other player in the league since entering the NFL.
Last year, however, he was met in the middle by head coach Pete Carroll in terms of the scheme, with a decrease in rushing attempts. In fact, Wilson was given the freedom to throw more often than ever to open the 2020 season. But he could not maintain the productivity and increased his turnover ratio as the season continued. Subsequently, Carroll reverted to safer football.
With these disagreements bubbling in the background, the Week 12 game between Washington and the Seahawks becomes must-see football. This Week 12 game will be a stern test of the Seahawks’ system. Only the Los Angeles Rams allowed fewer total yards and fewer aerial yards per game than the Washington Football Team in 2020. If the Washington defensive unit continues to develop through the 2021 season, this clash on Monday Night Football will be epic.