The WFT Loses their Wild Card Playoff Game to Tampa Bay 31-23 – and their season abruptly comes to an end. Tom Brady threw for 381 yards and two touchdowns to eliminate Washington from the postseason. The defeat concluded an unlikely season that saw WFT win the NFC East with a 7-9 record.
Brady connected with Mike Evans and Leonard Fournette for touchdown passes. The veteran quarterback completed 22 of 40 attempts without throwing an interception. His experience showed in crucial third-down situations throughout the contest.
Washington kept pace early behind Taylor Heinicke’s surprising performance. The backup quarterback threw for 306 yards and one touchdown after Alex Smith suffered a calf injury. Heinicke completed 26 of 44 passes while adding 95 rushing yards on six carries.
Terry McLaurin led Washington’s receiving corps with eight catches for 92 yards. Logan Thomas hauled in six passes for 49 yards and one touchdown. The tight end’s scoring grab pulled Washington within 25-23 in the fourth quarter.
Chase Young recorded one sack but couldn’t consistently pressure Brady. The rookie defensive end finished with four tackles and two quarterback hits. Tampa Bay’s offensive line provided adequate protection for their Hall of Fame quarterback.
Washington’s kicking game proved costly in the defeat. Dustin Hopkins missed a 43-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter. The missed opportunity left three points on the board during a tight contest.
WFT Loses Wild Card Playoff To Stronger Team
The Buccaneers opened scoring with a 36-yard field goal by Ryan Succop. Washington answered with Hopkins converting from 37 yards out. The teams traded scores throughout the first half before Tampa Bay pulled away.
Chris Godwin caught five passes for 79 yards for the Buccaneers. Rob Gronkowski added four receptions for 35 yards. The veteran tight end’s presence created favorable matchups for other receivers.
Tampa Bay’s ground game controlled the final period. Leonard Fournette rushed for 93 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries. The running back’s physical style wore down Washington’s defense in crucial moments.
Tampa Bay advanced to face New Orleans in the divisional round.
So WFT loses their wild card playoff – they still gained valuable postseason experience.
It was an improbable season that restored some hope for the franchise’s future.