Washington's late comeback was slam shut against the Chargers, 20-16

The Washington Football lost to the Los Angeles Chargers at FedExField Sunday afternoon to kick-off their 2021 season. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was knocked out of the game with a right hip injury in the second quarter.

On the Chargers first drive, they drove 75 yards in ten plays and capped it off with a touchdown. Washington’s first drive ended in a punt, and their second drive was capped with a field goal, making the score 7-3.

Washington gained some rhythm and were in the red zone when defensive end Joey Bosa sacked Fitzpatrick for -9 yards. Fitzpatrick would get hurt on the play and wouldn’t return. Washington got another field goal to cut the score to 7-6.

The next Los Angeles drive ended with a field goal and Taylor Heinicke entered the game to take over. Washington would score two more field goals and go into halftime trailing 13-9.

The drive coming out of halftime was masterful. In eight plays, Washington drove 81 yards, milked 3:40 off the clock and took the lead with a touchdown to tight end Logan Thomas. It would be Washington’s first lead of the game, 16-13.

A questionable fumble call by Herbert gave the Football Team the ball back and they promptly drove to the red zone. Things went awry for Washington when kicker Dustin Hopkins would miss the field goal. On the next possession, running back Antonio Gibson coughed up the ball deep in their own territory and gave the Chargers an instant red zone opportunity. They capitalized, making the score 20-16.

The next Washington ended with another punt and they wouldn’t see the ball again. The Chargers churned out 73 yards in 14 plays and milked the clock along the way. Washington ran out of timeouts.

Heinicke finished 11-22 for 122 yards and a touchdown. Gibson rushed for 90 yards on 20 carries. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin had 4 catches for 62 yards.