In what alternate universe is the Washington Football Team playing where its heralded defense is horrid and its underwhelming offense is suddenly overwhelming?
Washington is 2-2 thanks to scoring 30 and 34 points to beat the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons that are each 1-3. Its defense with the expensive four first-rounders across the line has been mediocre at best while its leading player, Chase Young, nearly cost Washington Sunday's victory over Atlanta with a controversial penalty.
This is not how the fall was planned. The 2-2 mark was expected, but Washington's path is like Little Red Riding Hood, ending up at grandma's house after falling from a cliff. Either way, fans wonder if the team is ready to holler "Look out below" given its defense can't stop anyone.
What in the name of wide-open receivers is going on here?
All we see is Young yelling to teammates to do their job when he's lost outside nearly every down despite single blockers. Young makes an occasional play, but the sophomore jinx clearly has a grip on him like offensive tackles. Young's four tackles against Atlanta included one for a loss, plus a roughing penalty when hitting Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan in the head rather than tackling him. That's just laziness.
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After four games, there's no denying Young and this defense are clueless on how to return to last year's No. 2-ranked unit despite virtually the same personnel. With several high-powered offenses like Kansas City and Green Bay coming soon, a defense that allowed all four opponents to score on their opening drive and 122 points overall may falter even worse.
Coach Ron Rivera knows something is deeply wrong, but unlike last year's late-season improvement the schedule gets only harder this time. There's no help coming, and without the line impacting the game, the rest of the defense is vulnerable every single snap.
Meanwhile, the only reason Washington isn't winless is a quarterback who wasn't supposed to play but is more fearless than the defense. Fortunately, Taylor Heinicke isn't afraid to star when the lights come on or this team would be in a serious 2022 draft mode already. Heinicke made several amazing plays to lead his second comeback victory in three weeks.
Heinicke is remindful of Billy Kilmer in the 1970s, though the latter came with a bigger resume. Kilmer managed a Super Bowl appearance after replacing Sonny Jurgensen and some ugly memorable victories. Same with Heinicke, who must be in the conversation for 2022 if he keeps playing like he did on Sunday. Kilmer gave everything to the game. So does Heinicke.
It looks like another rollercoaster season for Washington. Washington can beat New Orleans, but either the defense awakens or this topsy-turvy start will flatline.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
