Pallotti grad steps up for Washington’s offense
In the Washington Football Team’s 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, thirdstringer Jaret Patterson filled in at the top of a thin running back depth chart. With starter Antonio Gibson on the COVID-19 reserve list and receiving threat J.D. McKissic out for more than a month after suffering a neck injury, Patterson finished with career highs in carries (12), catches (five) and all-purpose yards (98) while adding his second rushing touchdown of the season.
“It was good, but some things I can do better,” Patterson said. “That’s kind of me. I feel like the great ones just keep getting better, whether good or bad. I’m a guy that always likes to improve in all areas of my game and keep learning.”
Patterson had produced 188 yards on 50 carries before Sunday. But in Washington’s previous two games, Patterson had been more involved: He scored his first touchdown against the Eagles in the teams’ first matchup 12 days earlier, and he had nine carries during last week’s loss at Dallas.
This past week, Patterson said being a backup taught him to make the most of his carries, but he added that if he had a larger role he believed he could get into a rhythm.
With Gibson and McKissic out, the undersized rookie out of the University at Buffalo, a Maryland native who was the lone undrafted free agent Washington signed this offseason, had an opportunity to show what he could do. And on Washington’s first drive, he delivered.
The 5-foot-8, 195-pounder, who starred at St. Vincent Pallotti High in Laurel and grew up rooting for Washington, took a handoff from the Philadelphia 11-yard line and found a narrow crease between left tackle Charles Leno Jr. and left guard Saahdiq Charles, sneak
ing through the defense for a touchdown.
“Jaret’s one of those young guys that, the more experience he gets, the more opportunities he gets, the better he’s going to be,” Rivera said. “He’s a young, dynamic player that definitely can fit a role for you, gives you everything he’s got.”
Patterson had 44 yards on eight carries in the first half and looked to be in a rhythm — as was Washington’s offense, which scored on all four of its first-half possessions. In the second half, Patterson only had four carries for 13 yards as the offense struggled to move the ball. But quarterback Taylor Heinicke showed his faith in Patterson on the team’s final drive, connecting with him on four receptions for 29 yards to move Washington into Philadelphia territory with a chance to take the lead before Heinicke’s loss-sealing interception.
Washington finished with 94 rushing yards and an average of 4.3 per carry. Patterson said the offense didn’t “keep the foot on the gas” in the second half but credited Philadelphia’s run defense for Washington’s lack of success.
Still, Patterson made an impression on Rivera and Heinicke, who said he thought the rookie played great.
“He’s been making huge strides all year,” Heinicke said. “When you see him do the things that he’s doing, it’s really cool especially because a lot of guys are writing him off because he’s so small. … So hopefully he just keeps progressing.”