2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 11: Packers take top spot, Cowboys rebound
By Randy Gurzi
Washington Commanders. 28. team. 58. . . Previous: 30th
When the Washington Football Team won their NFC East with a record of 7-9, it became a running joke. But then, they went into their playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and gave the eventual champions all they could handle.
In their 31-23 defeat, Taylor Heinicke balled out with 306 yards through the air, 46 on the ground, and two touchdowns. So far in 2021, he has yet to have a game that looked as impressive as he was that weekend. That is, until he got another shot at Tom Brady and the Bucs.
Washington and Tampa Bay squared off in Week 10 and Heinicke had 256 yards and a touchdown while Tom Brady had 220 yards with two touchdowns and two picks. The 29-19 win was shocking but it was also the first time we saw the Washington defense look the way we expected it to when the season began.
They didn’t record any sacks on Brady but they kept him uncomfortable all day and it could have been more than just two picks from Brady. They also held their own against the run, never allowing any carry to go for more than eight yards.
At 3-6, it’s not as if they’ll suddenly get on a huge run and catch the surging Cowboys who lead the NFC East but this was something positive to build on.