INSIDER
Former teammates, coaches honor Haskins at emotional service
Read full article: Former teammates, coaches honor Haskins at emotional serviceFormer teammates and coaches paid tribute to former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins during an emotional memorial service a little less than two weeks after the 24-year-old was killed on a South Florida highway.
Steelers have Harris, Smith-Schuster for playoff game in KC
Read full article: Steelers have Harris, Smith-Schuster for playoff game in KCThe Steelers had running back Najee Harris and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster available for their wild-card playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.
QB Heinicke re-signs with Washington for $8.75M over 2 years
Read full article: QB Heinicke re-signs with Washington for $8.75M over 2 yearsWashington re-signed quarterback Taylor Heinicke to an $8.75 million, two-year contract, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. āI think thatās the best way to do it. I think thatās best for everybody.āWashington could also trade for or sign a veteran to compete with Heinicke and Allen or use the No. AdāThat dude plays with no fear, and heās going to give his playmakers a chance to make plays,ā receiver Terry McLaurin said. āHeās going to extend plays, run and take hits.
Mr. Smith goes to Washington, takes another team to playoffs
Read full article: Mr. Smith goes to Washington, takes another team to playoffsWashington Football Team's Alex Smith plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Philadelphia. Alex Smith is the biggest reason Washington became the first team in the Super Bowl era to start 2-7 and make the playoffs. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton, File)If the Alex Smith story becomes a movie, Alex Smith doesn't want to see it. āWhen Alex Smith plays quarterback, theyāre a heck of a football team,ā Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians said. "Theyāre an extremely well-coached team, a ton of talent on that defensive front, but Alex Smith is really the key to everything.āHow is that possible?
Washington beats the Eagles 20-14, captures NFC East title
Read full article: Washington beats the Eagles 20-14, captures NFC East titleWashington Football Team's Logan Thomas (82) catches a touchdown against Philadelphia Eagles' T.J. Edwards (57) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Philadelphia. Alex Smith threw two touchdown passes and Washington beat the Philadelphia Eagles 20-14 Sunday night to capture the lowly NFC East. Washington opened the season with a 27-17 victory over the Eagles. Dwayne Haskins started that game for Washington and Carson Wentz for Philadelphia. Eagles: They face difficult decisions in the offseason, including figuring out which quarterback they plan to build around for 2021.
New final exam: Heinicke pauses school to QB for Washington
Read full article: New final exam: Heinicke pauses school to QB for WashingtonWashington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke scrambles during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)Taylor Heinicke had math, not football, on his mind this fall. His course load: Mathematics in Nature, Number Theory and Discrete Mathematics, Applied Numerical Methods and Partial Differential Equations. āItās somewhat unique to get incompletes because he had to join the football team,ā said Melrose, who taught Heinicke Calculus III several years ago. Rivera didn't hesitate when asked if he thought Heinicke could handle it, which adds up given his experience.
Washington releases 2019 1st-round pick Dwayne Haskins
Read full article: Washington releases 2019 1st-round pick Dwayne HaskinsWashington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) walking on the field before the start of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Landover, Md. Haskins started in place of injured quarterback Alex Smith despite being disciplined for breaking COVID-19 rules by partying with several people without a mask. āMy time with the WFT has unfortunately come to an end,ā Haskins tweeted. āI thank the team & fans for the opportunity to play for the team I grew up rooting for. The team's last first-round QB bust, Robert Griffin III, tweeted Monday: āWishing the best for (Haskins).
Washington beaten by Panthers, fails to clinch NFC East
Read full article: Washington beaten by Panthers, fails to clinch NFC EastHaskins' failed second chance coupled with a special teams blunder and defensive miscues added up to Washington blowing its first chance to clinch the NFC East by losing to the Carolina Panthers 20-13 on Sunday. With Christian McCaffrey out again, Curtis Samuel had five catches for 106 yards and was the Panthers' leading rusher with 52 yards on seven carries. 2 pick forced Bridgewater to fumble on a sack in Washington territory early in the third quarter to prevent Carolina from putting up even more points. Washington: Played without top WR Terry McLaurin, who couldn't keep gutting through a nagging ankle injury. Washington: Gets another chance to win the NFC East next Sunday at Philadelphia.
The Latest: NFC East will produce sub-.500 champ next week
Read full article: The Latest: NFC East will produce sub-.500 champ next week(AP Photo/Mark Tenally)The Latest on Week 16 in the NFL (all times EST):___8 p.m.For the first time since 2014 there will be an NFL playoff team with a losing record. The winner will remain alive in the NFC East playoff race if Washington loses to Carolina. ___6:05 p.m.Washington is well on the way to blowing its first chance to clinch the NFC East. ___6 p.m.Eleven teams in the NFC are still harboring hopes of making a playoff run with Week 16 winding down. 1 seed in the NFC with a win Sunday night against the Titans and a Seattle loss or tie.
A bonus for NFL fans in Week 16: 4 straight days of games
Read full article: A bonus for NFL fans in Week 16: 4 straight days of gamesThey do have a sack in an NFL-record 71 straight games and have sacked Philip Rivers 15 times during seven games while he played for the Chargers. Rivers has had two or more TD passes in five straight games. He had career bests of 10 catches for 163 yards last week, and Ridley's seven 100-yard games lead the NFL. The 19 straight seasons without losing both games to a divisional opponent is an NFL record. The Jaguars have allowed at least 24 points in each of those 13 games, an NFL record.
Haskins fined, in line to start for Washington if needed
Read full article: Haskins fined, in line to start for Washington if neededWashington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) as he prepares to throw the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)Dwayne Haskins was handed a hefty fine Wednesday for partying with several people not wearing a mask but will start at quarterback for Washington on Sunday if Alex Smith isnāt healthy enough to go. The organization fined Haskins $40,000 for violating COVID-19 protocols, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Washington can clinch the NFC East title Sunday if the New York Giants lose to Baltimore and it beats the Panthers. Smith had led Washington on a four-game winning streak before straining his right calf Dec. 13 against San Francisco.
Haskins apologizes after photos show mask-less partying
Read full article: Haskins apologizes after photos show mask-less partyingWashington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins warming up before the start of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins publicly apologized Tuesday after photo evidence came to light of him partying with several people unmasked after playing Sunday. Haskins said on Twitter he spoke with coach Ron Rivera and took full responsibility for putting the team at risk during the pandemic. āIt was irresponsible and immature of me and I accept responsibility for my action,ā Haskins said. Haskins got the start against Seattle essentially by default as the last healthy quarterback on the roster.
Seahawks hold on to beat Washington, clinch playoff spot
Read full article: Seahawks hold on to beat Washington, clinch playoff spotSeattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) points upwards before the start of the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Landover, Md. ā Russell Wilson asked Carlos Dunlap to make a play to get the Seattle Seahawks into the playoffs, and the veteran defensive end was all too eager to deliver. Dunlap shook off a lingering foot injury and sacked Washington's Dwayne Haskins to shore up a 20-15 victory Sunday that clinched a playoff spot. It was only fitting Dunlap had the big sack on third-and-15 with just over a minute left, given his lengthy playoff drought. UP NEXTThe Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday with first place in the NFC West at stake, while Washington hosts Rivera's old team, the Carolina Panthers.
Cowboys' Elliott inactive; Stafford will start for Lions
Read full article: Cowboys' Elliott inactive; Stafford will start for Lions(AP Photo/Aaron Doster)Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott is inactive against San Francisco with a calf injury the two-time rushing championship has been battling for several weeks. Safety Deon Bush (foot) is also out after being listed questionable with Johnson. Cowboys: RB Ezekiel Elliott, QB Ben DiNucci, WR Malik Turner, CB Rashard Robinson, DE Bradlee Anae, LB Luke Gifford, DE RonāDell Carter. ___JACKSONVILLE AT BALTIMOREJaguars: CB Sidney Jones, CB Luq Barcoo, LB Quincy Williams, DT Daniel Ross, QB Jake Luton. Ravens: DE Calais Campbell, CB Jimmy Smith, CB Marcus Peters, RB Mark Ingram, LB Kristian Welch, DE Jihad Ward, C Trystan Colon-Castillo.
Washington leads NFC East after gritty 23-15 win over 49ers
Read full article: Washington leads NFC East after gritty 23-15 win over 49ersWashington is the first team to get defensive touchdowns from two rookies in the same game since the Rams against the Texans in 2013. The game was in Arizona because of coronavirus restrictions in the 49ers' home county of Santa Clara. The 49ers pulled within 23-15 on a 6-yard pass from Mullens to Kyle Juszczyk and a 2-point conversion with 10:18 left. Washington won without scoring a touchdown in a road game for the first time since 1992. 49ERS ASSISTANT COACH OUTSan Francisco offensive line coach John Benton tested positive for COVID-19 and didn't coach against Washington.
A look at who's up and who's down at midpoint of NFL season
Read full article: A look at who's up and who's down at midpoint of NFL seasonMidway through the 2020 season, performance has altered perception all around the NFL. Hereās a look at whoās up and whoās down:UPDALVIN COOK: While running backs have generally been devalued during this pass-happy era, Cook is showing the impact a big-play back can make. He leads the NFL with 858 yards and 12 touchdowns despite missing one game with an injury. Heās the first NFL player with at least 50 catches, 600 yards receiving and eight touchdown receptions over his first six games of a season. Evans has been a productive threat near the end zone with seven TD catches, but six of those have come on passes from inside the 10.
Dalton hurt, Washington defense clamps down to beat Cowboys
Read full article: Dalton hurt, Washington defense clamps down to beat CowboysDalton was 9 of 19 for 75 yards before being injured and walking off under his own power to undergo concussion evaluation. Washington allowed 142 total yards to win a game by double digits for the first time since November 2018. As a team, Washington picked up 208 yards on the ground while allowing just 83. SOCIAL JUSTICEDallas defensive tackle Dontari Poe took a knee during the national anthem, while Collins and Washington offensive lineman Keith Ismael were among those who raised a fist in the air. UP NEXTThe Cowboys visit the 2-4-1 first-place Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday, while Washington next plays the New York Giants at home Nov. 8 after its bye week.
Dallas Cowboys visit Washington with NFC East in shambles
Read full article: Dallas Cowboys visit Washington with NFC East in shamblesā The previous time the Dallas Cowboys and Washington faced off with a combined record worse than this, the longtime NFC East rivals were each 0-4 and the 2001 "Gutter Bowlā got off on the wrong foot. During pregame warmups, Dallas kicker Tim Seder collided with a horse who was on the field for some reason. Pending the outcome of Thursday night's game between the New York Giants (1-5) and Philadelphia Eagles (1-4-1), Dallas at Washington on Sunday could be for a share of first place. Yet, Washington can still say it's in the running for the NFC East title more than a third of the way through the season despite a five-game skid. Perhaps the shift underscores just how unstable the NFC East is from top to bottom.
Tampa Bay's Godwin, Green Bay's Adams return from injuries
Read full article: Tampa Bay's Godwin, Green Bay's Adams return from injuries___GREEN BAY AT TAMPA BAYPackers: RB Tyler Ervin, CB Kevin King, QB Jordan Love. ___NEW YORK JETS AT MIAMIJets: QB James Morgan, QB Sam Darnold, CB Quincy Wilson, LB Jordan Willis, T Mekhi Becton, DL Nathan Shepherd. Dolphins: B/WR Malcolm Perry, RB Salvon Ahmed, RB Jordan Howard, LB Kyle Van Noy, DE Jason Strowbridge. ___HOUSTON AT TENNESSEETexans: WR Keke Coutee, CB Cornell Armstrong, RB Buddy Howell, ILB Peter Kalambayi, OT Charlie Heck, TE Jordan Akins. ___ATLANTA AT MINNESOTAFalcons: CB Jordan Miller, RB Qadree Ollison, S Jaylinn Hawkins, RT John Wetzel, DE Takk McKinley.
Smith returns as Goff-led Rams beat Washington to get to 4-1
Read full article: Smith returns as Goff-led Rams beat Washington to get to 4-1Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Landover, Md. Smith played his first NFL game 693 days since breaking his right tibia and fibula, entering when new Washington starting quarterback Kyle Allen injured his left arm. āYou watch guys like Aaron all the time and as effective as he is, you guys have no idea how impressive it is with all the attention he gets week after week,ā Rams linebacker Troy Reeder said. Rivera said if Allen can play next week, Smith would back up and Haskins would again be inactive. UP NEXTThe Rams visit the 49ers next Sunday, while Washington is at the NFC East rival New York Giants.
The Latest: Cowboys edge Giants with field goal on last play
Read full article: The Latest: Cowboys edge Giants with field goal on last playPrescott was playing the Giants in the first visit of his former coach, Jason Garrett, now New Yorkās offensive coordinator. A week after giving up a franchise-record 307 yards rushing, the Cowboys allowed Devonta Freeman 20 yards on three carries. The Giants extended the lead to 14-3 when Kyler Fackrell returned an interception by Dak Prescott 46 yards for a touchdown. Atlanta cornerback Kendall Sheffield suffered a right ankle injury in the second quarter and was listed as questionable to return. Smith is one injury to Allen away from completing his remarkable comeback to play in an NFL game again.
Falcons WR Julio Jones out again with hamstring injury
Read full article: Falcons WR Julio Jones out again with hamstring injuryJones had been listed as questionable after missing practice throughout the week with a hamstring injury. Even so, the winless Falconsā secondary gets a boost with safeties Keanu Neal (hamstring) and Ricardo Allen (elbow) returning from injuries. ___PHILADELPHIA AT PITTSBURGHEagles: TE Hakeem Butler; RB Jason Huntley, WR DeSean Jackson, WR Alshon Jeffery, CB Avonte Maddox, QB Nate Sudfeld, DE Casey Toohill. Falcons: S Jaylinn Hawkins, WR Julio Jones, CB A.J. Ravens: RB Justice Hill, WR Chris Moore, QB Trace McSorley, DT Broderick Washington, DT Justin Ellis, OL Tyre Phillips.
Washington benches QB Haskins, switches to Allen vs. Rams
Read full article: Washington benches QB Haskins, switches to Allen vs. RamsRivera benched Haskins for Washington's next game Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams and turned to Kyle Allen as the new starter. Thatās what Iām doing.āAlex Smith will back up Allen with Haskins inactive after not having enough time to learn a new system in his second year in the NFL. Rivera ended the Haskins experiment after a third consecutive loss in just his 11th pro start. āWe gave him every opportunity,ā Rivera said. Haskins completed 72 of 115 passing attempts, threw three touchdowns and three interceptions and was sacked 10 times during Washington's three game skid.
Jackson shows MVP form to help Ravens beat Washington 31-17
Read full article: Jackson shows MVP form to help Ravens beat Washington 31-17Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against the Washington Football Team during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Landover, Md. ā Lamar Jackson ran for a 50-yard touchdown and threw for two scores in a bounce-back performance by the reigning NFL MVP and the Baltimore Ravens, who took control early against Washington in a 31-17 victory Sunday. The game was tough to watch for Washington coach Ron Rivera, and not just because of the score. Facing a 4th-and-9 at the Washington 43, the Ravens pulled off a fake punt. Washington: host Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, the first of five straight games vs. NFC foes.
Murray runs for 2 TDs, Cardinals roll past Washington 30-15
Read full article: Murray runs for 2 TDs, Cardinals roll past Washington 30-15Washington (1-1) finally scored a touchdown with 12:20 left in the fourth quarter when Dwayne Haskins hit Terry McLaurin for a 24-yard score. The Cardinals' revamped defense had a big day, holding Washington scoreless until Dustin Hopkins hit a 24-yard field goal late in the third quarter. Murray's pass into coverage was picked off by Landon Collins, giving Washington great field position at the Arizona 19. He was completely alone in the back of the end zone on third down and Murray hit him for the 4-yard score to make it 7-0. ... Washington right guard Brandon Scherff (knee) was hurt just before halftime and gingerly walked off the field with the help of medical staff.