The Washington Football Team has found its 2021 starting quarterback.
Alex Smith started his first game in 728 days on Sunday after suffering a horrific leg injury in 2018. He wasn’t supposed to play this season as a third-stringer. Then Smith became the backup after Dwayne Haskins was benched. Then Smith became the starter when Kyle Allen suffering a season-ending injury.
And now Washington needs to look at Smith as its 2021 starter while regrouping from another bad season. Washington is 2-7 after a 30-27 loss to the Detroit Lions on a 59-yard field goal at the gun. In a four-game stretch, they absolutely needed three wins to possibly contend, Washington is now 0-2.
Related
That mythical first-round quarterback next spring may be a stretch given so many bad teams competing for the top six picks. Rather than press once more for a passer that may not be the right fit, Washington could choose other needs and develop either Allen, Haskins, or a newcomer behind Smith for one season.
Smith’s performance against Detroit set personal bests in completions and yards shows he can play another year. (Or two, he is under contract for two more seasons). Oh, Smith’s dropback speed is lacking to cost him several plays, but it’s hard to blame him after a 21-point comeback that fell short thanks to the defense.
Smith was 38-for-55 for 390 yards and an 89.2 rating. There were no mistakes like three interceptions in relief against the New York Giants on Nov. 8. But, there were no touchdowns, either. Smith played the dink-and-dunk game well because that’s who he is. With Detroit playing a safe defense with 24-3 lead, Smith cobbled multiple short gains into long scoring drives.
Washington’s last drive was vintage Smith. Washington ran an incredible 17 plays after getting the ball with 2:33 remaining. Detroit committed three third-down penalties to prolong the drive while Smith threw eight straight passes that were incomplete or saw Lions penalties. Yet, he then found three long gains to set up the tying field goal. It wasn’t pretty but it was Smith’s classic style.
Related
Given coach Ron Rivera seemingly has no interest in developing Haskins, though the coach repeatedly denies that, it seems Smith is the one to keep playing. He has two narrow losses, but that beats the multiple blowout defeats earlier this season.
Was Smith as good as the numbers? Not really given Detroit played so much soft zone given a big lead. But, you play Smith for his savviness more than his stats. He usually gives teams a chance to win.
There should be one more ride with Smith in 2021 while developing his successor. The team has a few months to decide the latter part.
For now, go with Smith’s experience to keep the season’s second half at least competitive.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks
Related
