The second half of the season arrives for the Washington Football Team, and the optimism of September has given way to the harsh reality of November. That reality is that this year has the potential to spiral out of control.
Despite a landscape that looks bleaker than the new Tom Hanks movie (Finch, now playing on Apple TV), some players are trending upwards.
BUY:
DL Jonathan Allen
The senior member of the defensive line is having a Pro Bowl, possibly even an All-Pro year. Allen has 26 tackles and six sacks, the most influential player on a defensive line that has disappointed this season. His overall PFF grade of 89.9 ranks him 3rd in the league, behind only Cameron Heyward and Aaron Donald.
RB J.D. McKissic
As the injuries pile up, McKissic’s stock continues to rise. He has become one of the few offensive threats in the last few weeks. McKissic trails only Terry McLaurin in reception yardage with 332. He’s also scored two touchdowns and is second in receptions with 33.
S/LB Landon Collins
If you’re surprised, it’s understandable. Still, after moving from strong safety to linebacker — yes, he’s playing inside linebacker — even if he doesn’t want to admit it, Collins turned in his best performance of the year against Denver with seven tackles and a sack. Collins plays his best close to the line. If this play continues, the defense may see an improvement down the stretch.
Hold:
WR Curtis Samuel
The coaching staff and training staff hoped that a few weeks off and the bye week would help the free-agent receiver get healthy for the stretch run. Samuel began preparing for this Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay by working on the side field. Not good.
Head Coach Ron Rivera has stubbornly kept Samuel on the active roster, but he hasn’t played since week five against New Orleans. The best ability is availability. Keeping Samuel on the 53 man roster means not evaluating a young player who could be part of Washington’s future.