The Washington Football Team 2020 season proved to be a rollercoaster ride filled with unexpected twists. After starting slowly, the team ultimately captured the NFC East division title in dramatic fashion.
Regular Season Game-by-Game Breakdown
Week 1 vs Philadelphia Eagles (L 17-27): Dwayne Haskins struggled in his first start, throwing two interceptions. The defense couldn’t contain Carson Wentz early. Washington’s offense looked disjointed throughout the season opener.
Week 2 vs Arizona Cardinals (L 15-30): Washington’s offense managed only field goals against Arizona’s defense. Kyler Murray torched the secondary for multiple touchdown passes. The running game provided little help in the disappointing loss.
Week 3 at Cleveland Browns (L 20-34): Despite a strong rushing attack from Antonio Gibson, Washington couldn’t keep pace. Cleveland’s explosive offense controlled the game. The defense gave up too many big plays in crucial moments.
Week 4 vs Baltimore Ravens (L 17-31): Lamar Jackson dominated with both his arm and legs throughout the game. Washington’s offense continued struggling to find any consistency. The defense couldn’t generate enough pressure on Jackson consistently.
Week 5 at Los Angeles Rams (L 17-30): Aaron Donald wreaked havoc on Washington’s offensive line all afternoon. The Rams controlled the game from start to finish. Washington’s passing attack couldn’t establish any rhythm against the pressure.
Turning Point Of Washington Football Team 2020 Season
Week 6 vs New York Giants (W 20-19): Finally, Washington Football Team 2020 season turned around with this thrilling victory. A late field goal secured the narrow win. The defense forced key turnovers in the fourth quarter.
Week 7 at Dallas Cowboys (W 25-3): The defense dominated completely, forcing multiple turnovers against Dallas. Kyle Allen threw for two touchdowns in this statement win. Washington’s ground game controlled the clock effectively throughout the contest.
Week 8 vs Denver Broncos (W 17-10): Washington’s defense stepped up again, containing Denver’s running game effectively. The offense managed just enough points for victory. Special teams contributed with solid field position throughout the game.
Week 9 vs New York Giants (W 23-20): Another close divisional battle saw Washington prevail in overtime. Strong defensive pressure forced key mistakes from New York. The offense capitalized on short fields for crucial scores.
Week 10 at Detroit Lions (W 30-27): A back-and-forth thriller ended with Washington scoring late. They secured their third consecutive victory on the road. Both teams traded touchdowns in an entertaining offensive showcase.
Week 11 vs Cincinnati Bengals (W 20-9): The defense dominated rookie Joe Burrow throughout four quarters. Washington’s ground game controlled the tempo effectively. The pass rush generated consistent pressure on the young quarterback.
Week 12 at Dallas Cowboys (W 41-16): Washington demolished Dallas behind Alex Smith’s emotional return from injury. The defense created multiple short fields for easy scores. This victory essentially ended Dallas’s playoff hopes completely.
Downturn In 2020 Season
Week 13 vs Pittsburgh Steelers (L 17-23): Despite a valiant effort, Washington couldn’t quite upset the undefeated Steelers. The Monday night defensive battle showcased both teams’ strengths. Washington proved they belonged against elite competition.
Week 14 at San Francisco 49ers (L 15-23): Injuries caught up with Washington as they struggled offensively. The 49ers fought desperately for playoff positioning. Washington’s depleted roster couldn’t maintain their recent success.
Week 15 vs Seattle Seahawks (L 15-20): Russell Wilson’s late heroics denied Washington a crucial victory. The defense played strongly for most of the game. Washington’s offense couldn’t capitalize on several golden opportunities.
Grinding It Out
Week 16 at Carolina Panthers (W 20-13): Washington Football Team 2020 season hopes stayed alive with this gritty victory. Taylor Heinicke’s impressive debut performance energized the team. The defense forced key turnovers in crucial moments.
Week 17 vs Philadelphia Eagles (W 20-14): The division title game saw Washington capture the NFC East crown. They secured a hard-fought victory over their division rivals. This win completed an incredible second-half turnaround.
Wild Card Playoff Game
Wild Card vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (L 23-31): Tom Brady’s experience proved too much. Washington’s Cinderella story ended despite a competitive effort from the young squad.
It hurt.
The Washington Football Team 2020 season ultimately exceeded expectations, transforming from early struggles into division champions through improved defense and timely offensive play.
But man it really hurt.
And when Tom Brady and the Bucs sailed through everybody and captured the Super Bowl – with the WFT giving them their toughest test – it somehow hurt a little more.