The Buffalo Bills dominated the Washington Football team on Sunday, 43-21, giving Washington its second loss of the season.
Washington struggled with the loss across the board. The offense committed three ball losses, while the defensive with the third residue still could not find a way to leave the field.
Now it is time for our weekly testimonial in which we grade each Washington unit. Things didn’t go well for the NFC East defending champion this week.
Here’s how we rated Washington after its defeat by the Bills:
Quarterback: D +
Buffalo Bills’ Levi Wallace, 39, watches as Matt Milano sack Washington Football team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) during the second half of an NFL soccer game in Orchard Park, NY, on Sunday, September 26, 2021 (AP Photo / Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Taylor Heinicke wasn’t terrible against the Bills. He completed 14 of 24 passes for 212 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He had good protection for the most part, and both of his interceptions were killers that resulted in points.
Heinicke showed impressive ability in the defeat, but there was more bad than good. The sales lower the grade.
Walking back: B
09/26/2021; Orchard, New York, USA; Washington Football team running back Antonio Gibson (24) runs against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Antonio Gibson had the highlight of the day for Washington. Other than that, his day was more of a pedestrian. The Washington offensive executed the screen pass perfectly, and Gibson patiently followed his block before exploding across the field and overtaking Buffalo defenders into the end zone.
JD McKissic had three carries for 23 yards and looked explosive every time he touched the football. Overall not a bad day for the running back; they just needed more opportunities.
Wide receiver: C-
Washington Football Team wide receiver Cam Sims (11) runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, September 26, 2021, in Orchard Park, NY (AP Photo / Brett Carlsen)
The presence of Terry McLaurin prevented that group from getting a bad grade. McLaurin caught four passes for 62 yards and needed more chances. Rookie Dyami Brown, Cam Sims, and Adam Humphries were all invisible. Humpries and Sims each caught a pass. Brown and Sims had two bad drops that would have been first downs.
Narrow end: C-
Washington Football team tight end Logan Thomas (82) makes a touchdown reception against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, September 26, 2021, in Orchard Park, NY (AP Photo / Brett Carlsen)
Sunday wasn’t the best day for Logan Thomas. His fumble in the first quarter prepared Buffalo’s second touchdown. He was fighting for more yards when Tre’Davious White hit the ball. Thomas also had a drop. He caught four passes and made a fine play on a touchdown catch. He will do fine.
Offensive line: B-
09/26/2021; Orchard, New York, USA; Washington Football Team offensive tackle Sam Cosmi (76) blocks Buffalo Bill’s defensive end Greg Rousseau (50) during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
To be honest, I found this group to be a solid game. Pass protection was the best in three games. Rookie Sam Cosmi had his best day in pass protection. Unfortunately, Washington didn’t open many holes in the current game. Total,
Defense Line: D-
Washington Football Team’s defensive end, Chase Young, 99, battles the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, September 26, 2021 in Orchard Park, NY (AP Photo / Brett Carlsen)
Defensive tackle Daron Payne actually played a solid game. Payne beat his man for most of the game, putting internal pressure on Josh Allen. He still didn’t register a sack – neither did any of his teammates. Chase Young has been sacked for three weeks while Jonathan Allen has been quiet this week. We deal harshly with this group because more is expected of them.
Linebacker: D
09/26/2021; Orchard, New York, USA; Buffalo Bill’s running back Zack Moss (20) scores a touchdown and defeats linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) of the Washington Football Team in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium to the end zone. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Cole Holcomb was beaten for two touchdowns. Jon Bostic continues to be exposed in the reporting. Rookie Jamin Davis had a stop in fourth place. Coaches have to play the rookie more. Fans would rather see the rookie make mistakes on the field than Bostic.
Secondary: D-
Emmanuel Sanders (1) of Buffalo Bills intercepts a pass in front of Kendall Fuller (29) of Washington Football Team (AP Photo / Adrian Kraus. ). )
Another week in which Kendall Fuller is dominated in coverage. Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders prevailed with Fuller. Rookie Benjamin St-Juste actually had a solid game. William Jackson III had a much quieter day in Week 3 despite being called for a fake passport disorder.
It was tough to be safe. Landon Collins and Kam Curl struggled with reporting.
Special teams: A-
Washington Football Team kicker Dustin Hopkins (3) celebrates recovering the kick the Buffalo Bills fumbled in the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, September 26, 2021 in Orchard Park, NY (AP Photo / Brett Carlsen)
Why the high mark for special teams? Kicker Dustin Hopkins was perfect on his PATs, not attempting a field goal. However, that weird kickoff, where Hopkins regained his own kick, was wild – and crucial for Washington. For a short while, Washington brought it back into play.
Tress Way averaged 47 yards per punt and put one within the 10-yard line. Too bad the defense is bad.
