A quarterback dilemma was settled and a defensive playmaker was confirmed, but the kicker was awful, the offense missed points, and cracks were exposed defensively.
Overall, a typical preseason opener.
The Washington Football Team lost to the New England Patriots 22-13 on Thursday. A score forgotten as soon as it was final along with too few memorable moments.
It was a strange preseason debut by second-year coach Ron Rivera, given the NFL canceled exhibitions amid the 2020 pandemic. After leading Washington to the playoffs last year, this was the first chance to see how Rivera handled what's now a three-game preseason. And, Rivera showed the same intensity as meaningful games with a challenge on ball placement and playing not only starters but some new ones like offensive tackle Sam Cosmi and linebacker Jamin Davis long after regulars departed.
There were three key areas Rivera will certainly review – quarterbacks, defensive line, and kicker.
Ryan Fitzpatrick met expectations during two series. He exploited a couple of matchups while showing 38-year-old savviness by never looking at receiver Adam Humphries while the latter crossed the field until the final moment for a completion. Fitzpatrick's eyes never betrayed his intentions.
Fitzpatrick's effort seemed enough to stave off Taylor Heinicke's bid. Considering Heinicke was facing Patriots backups, it was a pedestrian evening. He made the high-percentage plays and scrambled effectively, but there were also egads moments like throwing downfield off his back foot into double coverage that should have been a pickoff.
It seems Heinicke's value comes as a reliever. Not that Washington wants one given it means something bad happened to Fitzpatrick, but a No. 2 who can make plays immediately is a handy tool. Whether it's in games or a midseason move, it's better for Washington to have Heinicke as Plan B for now.
Meanwhile, defensive end Chase Young needed three plays to build on last year's Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign. Young hit New England quarterback Cam Newton and stripped the ball loose. Bam – guess who's back?
That counterpart Montez Sweat missed the game with an illness cost a chance to see what the two ends can manage and the interior line allowed too many deep runs. Still, the line was largely what's expected in anchoring the defense.
The opening loss brings scrutiny on kicker Justin Hopkins, who missed two field goal attempts. Hopkins was only 15 of 21 last season from 40 or more yards and converted a career-worse 79.4% overall.
Washington has a rookie deep snapper and Hopkins was seen talking to holder Tress Way after the second miss on how he wanted the ball leaning before kicked. Maybe there's a connection to a new snapper, but Hopkins can't afford to lose Rivera's confidence.
Overall, it was a fair first impression with plenty of improvement needed.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
