Jamie Nye: Give Washington some respect, they’ve earned it

We can joke that the Washington Football Team limped into the post-season thanks to being in the worst division in the NFL.

However, give head coach Ron Rivera a ton of credit because his team didn’t limp in. The WFT actually is coming in, playing some good football. How did the 7-9 Washington team get in?

How about going 5-2 down the stretch? That’s not bad. Plus the team dispatched what some thought could be the future of the franchise in disrespectful quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Extra special was seeing Alex Smith be the quarterback who helped Washington reach the playoffs.

Smith’s life and leg were at risk just two years ago. He’s got to be the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

But we also need to give credit to Ron Rivera. The head coach showed character through the name change, then his cancer diagnosis and then showing Haskins the door.

Rivera is one of the most respected coaches in football and he brought a ton of respect to the Washington franchise.

Alex Smith and Ron Rivera make for the best underdog story of these playoffs, as they face Brady and the Bucs on wild-card weekend.