Veteran quarterback Garrett Gilbert had the nearly impossible task of signing with an NFL team last week and being thrust into the starting lineup only days later. The journeyman passer held up well in Washington’s 27-17 loss to the Eagles, completing 20 of 31 passes for 194 with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Sure, those aren’t the gaudy video-game numbers fans are used to seeing in today’s game, but considering the circumstances, Washington couldn’t have asked any more from the 30-year-old Gilbert.
After the game, head coach Ron Rivera spoke about Gilbert and was proud of his effort:
I thought he gave a heck of an effort. He made some good decisions and he delivered some good balls. His timing and rhythm was off a little bit, and it showed when we got in a couple of situations that he just hadn’t had enough reps. He was late a couple of times coming back off of his reads and he hung on his reads a little bit longer, but man he made some plays. He fought and he battled, and when a guy does that, you appreciate that.
Gilbert was off-target on several throws, which was expected in live game action. One issue for Gilbert was the consistent pressure in his face, forcing him to reset, throwing off his mechanics. It led to some high throws.
Count wide receiver Terry McLaurin among the Washington players who appreciated Gilbert’s effort:
“I have nothing but respect for Garrett [Gilbert],” McLaurin said.
“For a guy to come from another practice squad to a team where you don’t know anybody – sure, maybe you’ve been in the offense, but to come here mid-week and be expected to not only start at quarterback but to help us try to get into the playoffs, it’s nothing but respect for him. The way he came in, his energy, you felt that when he got here.”
McLaurin caught two passes for 51 yards, including a 46-yarder in the first quarter.
While you never can predict what happens with COVID-19, you presume this would be Gilbert’s only start for Washington. Heinicke and Allen, or at least one of them, should be back by Sunday.
As for Gilbert, he gave Washington a chance, and that’s all you can hope for.
