The Washington Football Team opened the preseason with a 22-13 loss to the New England Patriots on Thursday night.
As with most preseason games, the final score isn’t truly indicative of how Washington played — at least Washington’s starters.
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick looked sharp in his debut and would have led the team to a score, but kicker Dustin Hopkins missed a field goal. Backup Taylor Heinicke was also solid and led the WFT to its first touchdown just before halftime.
Washington’s first-team defense looked dominant on its first drive when defensive end Chase Young apparently strip-sacked New England quarterback Cam Newton. The play was later ruled an incomplete pass.
Judge for yourself.
Chase Young makes it look EASY pic.twitter.com/vdhhfi0H4k
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 12, 2021
Here are five takeaways from Washington’s first preseason game.