The Washington Football Team would appear to be set up well to compete for the foreseeable future.
After a prolonged search, it seems like they finally found the right leader at the controls of the team in head coach Ron Rivera.
Rivera is one of the most respected coaches and character individuals in the NFL, which will help Washington attract talent for many years to come.
The franchise has also drafted extremely well on defense.
The front seven led by Chase Young and Montez Sweat will apply pressure for the next several seasons, making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
The biggest question for Washington is: Will their own quarterback be able to hold serve and keep their offense relevant?
Washington made a notable attempt to upgrade that position this offseason by signing veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, formerly of the Miami Dolphins.
The team has seemed to operate better with the presence of an experienced player under center last year, so that is the route they will commit to for the 2021 season.
But is Fitzpatrick truly the best option for them, or could they have tried to bolster the quarterback room with someone else?
Let’s take a look at both arguments.
Fitzpatrick Is The Best Answer For 2021
Fitzpatrick really brought new meaning to the no-look pass 😂😳 @PatrickMahomes @MiamiDolphins pic.twitter.com/XPE8oCbqZO
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) December 27, 2020
Quarterbacks are not supposed to get better with age, but Fitzpatrick seems to have stared Father Time in the face and not blinked.
After an underwhelming start to his career with the St. Louis Rams and Cincinnati Bengals, Fitzpatrick has been at the helm of some exciting teams throughout the years after finding his footing in the NFL.
During his time with the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Dolphins, one could make a strong case that he was more effective than younger hopefuls Geno Smith, Jameis Winston, and Tua Tagovailoa, respectively.
Washington could have tried to make another foray into the young quarterback market, but decided to go with a suddenly reliable veteran with notable playmaking experience.
With a suspect receiving corps in Miami, Fitzpatrick made otherwise pedestrian players look really good with his ability to throw them open.
The offensive talent in Washington figures to be at least as good, if not better, than what the Dolphins put on the field.
Fitzpatrick will find ways to get the ball through tight windows to Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and talented tight end Logan Thomas. Additionally, “Fitzmagic” is the polar opposite kind of teammate compared to former Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins.
Regardless of his statistical output, Washington players will have the back of their bearded quarterback throughout the season.
No Way, Washington Could Have Done Better
Former Dolphins’ QB Ryan Fitzpatrick reached agreement with the Washington Football Team on a one-year deal worth $10 million that could grow to $12 million with incentives, per source. Fitzpatrick is expected to head to camp as the starter, with competition from Taylor Heinicke.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2021
While it hasn’t happened in a few years with Fitzpatrick, when the bottom drops out, it can be a precipitous fall.
He had a career year for the Jets in 2015, throwing 31 touchdown passes to 15 interceptions.
In the 2016 season, the wheels completely fell off, with the veteran posting 12 touchdown tosses to 17 picks.
At age 38, the magic with which Fitzpatrick has orchestrated offense could dissipate at any moment.
There’s an argument to be made that they should have jumped back into the rookie quarterback discussion, perhaps trading up for the chance to select Justin Fields or Mac Jones.
Even if the Football Team decided against going young under center, there were a couple of other intriguing quarterback options they could have pursued.
Cam Newton had the best seasons of his career playing for Rivera in Carolina, including his MVP year in 2015.
Even if Newton never returns to the star player he once was, he would have provided an interesting run-first option in the nation’s capital.
The team could’ve confused opposing defenses with Newton threatening to take off, and also play a ball-control style of offense.
Washington also could have tried to make a more serious run at Winston, who is still young, and has had impressive moments pushing the ball down the field in the NFL.
NEXT: What Is Next For Alex Smith If He Is Cut By Washington?