Kyle Allen really is the second coming of “Sexy Rexy” Grossman. And, that’s not a good thing.
Allen undermined a steady effort with major mistakes and misjudgments in a 20-19 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday. Washington had no business losing that game and twice Allen failed.
Just like Grossman, who could throw multiple interceptions in a game without fear during his 2010-13 stint in Washington, Allen twice touched the flames in a bad loss. Tied 13-13 with nearly three minutes remaining, Allen fumbled while sacked that became seven New York points. But Allen then led another comeback with a touchdown to Cam Sims with 36 seconds left.
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And then things went south again. Well, maybe sideways. Washington head coach Ron Rivera opted for a game-winning, two-point conversion rather than risk an overtime loss. It had to be a pass because Washington saw no success running up the middle all afternoon. Allen found every target covered while drifting left.
But there was a lane where Allen could have reached the goal line. After all, Allen ran for six yards earlier. Rather than a no-chance throw, he could have rammed into the defender on the goal line and hoped momentum carried him into the end zone. It was probably 50/50 at best, but it beat the zero chance of a throw that ended up nowhere near anyone.
Oh Kyle, you could have been a hero. Now there’s serious second-guessing over starting you next week.
Oh, Rivera quickly pointed to Allen’s stats – 31 of 42 for 280 yards and two touchdowns – as the reason the passer should start next Sunday against Dallas, but a 1-5 mark requires a miracle even in a bad NFC East of winning the division.
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By the way, if Dwayne Haskins’ reciting good stats after the Baltimore loss is bad form, so was Rivera using them to justify Allen starting again?
Allen teased at times. His final drive was impressive after just making a killer fumble. It showed great focus to block out the turnover and quickly move the team downfield. There’s nothing wrong with Allen’s confidence, but last season he threw 16 interceptions in a 5-7 finish and this season is still problematic over mistakes.
Still, Allen is clearly Rivera’s favorite. He knows the system. Allen just isn’t talented enough to overcome his penchant for turnovers. It was the same crime that sentenced Grossman to exile after leaving Washington.
With 10 games remaining, this seems a repeat of so many recent years where no No. 1 passer turns into a three-ring circus. Allen, Haskins, and even Alex Smith may start over the coming weeks with all three leaving after the season.
Washington is on the clock for the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes. Otherwise, 2021 will stink for them, too.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks
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