Washington QB Garrett Gilbert did some good things in first 2021 start

Garrett Gilbert held up well as Washington’s emergency quarterback Tuesday. Don’t blame him for Washington’s loss.

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After only being part of the Washington Football Team for four days, with no scrimmaging, no preseason, no game-speed action, Garrett Gilbert had some commendable moments Tuesday night against the Eagles.

The 30-year old making his first appearance for his fourth NFL team, connected with Terry McLaurin for this 46-yard gain in the first quarter. Gilbert will become more accustomed to McLaurin’s speed and has the arm, to not under-throw this next time for an even larger gain.

Gilbert completed 20 of his 31 attempts to eight different receivers for 194 yards (only 6.3 yards per attempt). Gilbert displayed some arm strength, apparently catching Adam Humphries off-guard in the end zone as Humphries misjudged the ball’s velocity, and it caromed off of his chest for what should have been a touchdown and an early 14-0 Washington lead.

Garrett displayed some mobility moving to his left finding John Bates for this 29-yard gain, setting up the final WFT touchdown.

Friday was the first day Garrett worked with the WFT. Tonight we did see some plays informing us as to why Head Coach Ron Rivera on Friday quickly proclaimed Garrett would start ahead of Kyle Shurmur who has been on the Washington Practice Squad since September 13.

For now, we wait to see if Gilbert will be provided another opportunity to start in Washington’s next game, a Sunday Night Football contest on the road against the Dallas Cowboys.