After changing their name, finishing second-to-last overall in 2019, getting a new head coach and getting Alex Smith back on the field, the Washington Football Team are in the playoffs.
Yes, they finished with a losing record at 7-9, but luckily their division was so bad that that was enough to be crowned NFC East Champions.
Despite starting the season 1-5, Washington managed to win big games down the stretch and show that they can hang with anyone thanks to their ferocious defense.
Washington will have their hands full on Saturday night, taking on the Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs have been on quite the hot streak winning their last four games in a row. Brady has been hitting his stride over that stretch, never a good sign for opposing teams.
Here are four bold predictions for the Washington Football Team in the Wild Card game.
1. Washington defense gets to Brady
The Washington defense has been the key to their success the entire year. Washington's front four, led by rookie Chase Young, has done a phenomenal job getting to the quarterback.
Whether that's through a sack, hurry, knockdown, or pressure, Washington's defense is going to be explosive and disruptive in this game.
Brady is an immobile quarterback who needs a clean pocket to operate. At 43 years old, Brady can barely even step up in the pocket to avoid pressure. Scrambling or creating plays with his legs seems completely out of the question.
It is expected that Washington records at least five sacks in this one but gives Brady a really tough time throughout the game. Constant pressure will keep Brady under duress and will make it very difficult for him to get enough time to make throws deep down the field, which is the main facet of this high-powered offense.
2. Alex Smith regains playoff form
It is pretty much undisputed that Alex Smith is the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year, but nobody expected him to be playing in a playoff game in 2020.
Not only has he returned, but he's been solid for Washington. D.C. is 5-1 when Smith starts. They take care of the ball and are actually able to move the ball through the air on offense.
Smith has been doing just enough to win games, but if he wants to beat Tom Brady in the playoffs, he'll have to really step his game up. Being a game manager doesn't work in the playoffs, especially not against a team with Brady.
It is expected that Smith receives a resurgence of energy and mobility and regains his form before his injury. Smith is going to look confident in the pocket and make big-time throws down the field.
Smith is a gamer, so he won't be going down without giving it his best effort.
3. Washington defense records more than one takeaway
The Washington defense is the catalyst behind their success this season. The Washington Football Team ranks ninth in the NFL in takeaways with 1.4 per game, and it's expected that they do more of the same against the Buccaneers on Saturday.
Washington has one of the most well-rounded defenses in the NFL, with really no weaknesses on the field. The Washington secondary has been fantastic, and even their linebackers have been solid since the return of second-year player Cole Holcomb.
The Bucs have a pass-heavy offense, so the ball is going to be in Brady's hands most of the time. Thus, the opportunity for strip-sacks and interceptions is going to be higher than a team with a more balanced offense.
Brady's playoff numbers are remarkable, but this will be his first playoff game with a team that isn't the New England Patriots. Despite a 43 touchdown season, Brady also had 12 interceptions, so it wouldn't be out of the ordinary for Tom to make a few mistakes.
Washington gets a few takeaways and makes this game competitive.
4. Washington beats the Bucs
Even though Washington is the higher seed, nobody is expecting them to win this game. A young, inexperienced team with a losing record going up against an explosive offense with the greatest player to ever play football … the odds are not in their favor.
That does not mean that this is a write-off.
Of the five games that the Buccaneers have lost this season, four of those have come at the hands of superb pass defenses. The Rams, Saints twice, and the Bears all found a way to get to the quarterback and make life difficult for Brady in a collapsed pocket. Washington is going to do much of the same, maybe at an even higher rate.
The Washington pass rush has established itself as one of the most feared groups in the NFL. If they can disrupt the passing game enough to limit the flow of the Buccaneers' offense this game is going to be winnable.
Do not be shocked if Brady gets a first-round exit on Saturday. Washington wins.
Overall
This game is going to be one that features a high-powered offense going against a tenacious, explosive defense, the clash of the titans if you may. Tom Brady will surely flex his “experience” muscles, while Washington's youngsters are going to show the league that there are some new sheriffs in town.
Will Brady take care of business at home? Will Alex Smith lead Washington to victory? Will Chase Young eat his words of “I want Tom“? We will have to wait until Saturday to see.
This game is going to be exciting, regardless of who wins.
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