After falling to the New Orleans Saints, 33-22, in Week 5, the Washington Football Team drops two spots in the latest USA TODAY Sports NFL power rankings.
Washington was ranked No. 20 last week after its win over the Atlanta Falcons. Now, Washington comes in at No. 22 after its third loss of the season.
Here’s what Nate Davis had to say about Washington:
22. Washington (20): An overhyped defense continues to be a massive disappointment, allowing an NFC-worst 31 points per game. The WFT has already allowed at least 29 points in four games, something it did just five times in the entire 2020 regular season.
Davis sums it up perfectly. The defense was solid in Week 5 outside of two plays. Washington allowed New Orleans wide receiver Deonte Harris to get behind the defense for a 72-yard score in the first half. Then, just before halftime, the Saints scored on a Hail Mary that was as poorly defended of a play at this level as you’ll likely ever see.
The problem for Washington is these issues aren’t isolated. Something like that happens every week.
If Washington wants to move up in the power rankings, it will have an outstanding opportunity in Week 6 when the Kansas City Chiefs come to town.