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Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

Matthew Paras was a digital sports writer for the Washington Times.

Articles by Matthew Paras

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory (94) gesturing to fans near the end of the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Landover, Md. Dallas won 27-20. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Dallas brings fans, benches and ballhawking D to blast Heinicke, Washington

Sunday was a strange day for the Washington Football Team. Quarterback Taylor Heinicke got hurt and couldn't finish the game. The Burgundy and Gold, after getting blown out for most of the afternoon, suddenly found themselves in a one=score contest with less than five minutes left. And despite failing to gain ground on the Cowboys in the NFC East, 6-7 Washington maintained its hold on a playoff spot.

December 12, 2021
Washington Football Team defensive end James Smith-Williams rushes in during the first half of an NFL football game between the Washington Football Team and the Seattle Seahawks, Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, in Landover, Md. Washington won 17-15. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Washington’s COVID-19 surge creates issues on defensive line

The Washington Football Team will be without its two starting defensive ends in James Smith-Williams and Casey Toohill as the two linemen were placed on the COVID-19 reserve list this weekend ahead of Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys -- creating serious issues upfront for the Burgundy and Gold.

December 12, 2021
Washington Football Team defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) attends a news conference after an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

Washington gears up for crucial NFC East stretch

Back in May, when the NFL schedule came out, Ron Rivera was already embracing for what he called a "round-robin tournament." It wasn't hard to see why. The Washington coach saw his team would close the season with five straight divisional games -- a stretch that could very well determine the NFC East.

December 7, 2021
Washington Football Team quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws the ball during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Landover, Md. Injured Washington quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s recent MRI showed “progress,” coach Ron Rivera said on Nov. 10, 2021, adding that his rehab will continue and Fitzpatrick should be re-evaluated "soon." (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) **FILE**

Ryan Fitzpatrick to undergo hip surgery

Ryan Fitzpatrick will undergo surgery on his injured hip Tuesday -- officially ending any chance the Washington quarterback could come back this season, according to multiple reports.

December 7, 2021
Washington Football Team tight end Logan Thomas (82) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

Fans blame ‘dirty’ play for Thomas’ knee injury

A day after Washington won a fourth-straight game, the team got some better-than-expected injury news Monday when an initial MRI test revealed tight end Logan Thomas did not suffer a torn MCL as officials originally feared. But that hasn't softened the blow over what many fans of the Burgundy and Gold saw as a dirty play by the Raiders defender.

December 6, 2021
Washington Football Team safety Landon Collins (26) reacts after an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, in Landover, Md. Washington won 17-15. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Landon Collins, J.D. McKissic out for Washington

The Washington Football Team ruled out safety Landon Collins (foot), guard Wes Schweitzer (ankle) and running back J.D. McKissic (concussion) ahead of Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday because of injuries.

December 3, 2021
Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday, Nov. 29, 2021 in Landover. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)

‘We give ourselves a chance’: Washington’s surge toward playoffs continues with win over Seahawks

Ron Rivera's team has now won three straight -- and more importantly, the Burgundy and Gold (5-6) would be in the playoffs if the season ended today as the NFC's seventh seed. There's still a lot of football left, of course, but Washington is now in a much better position to control its own path. Starting next week, the team faces the Las Vegas Raiders and then closes the season with five straight division games.

November 30, 2021
FILE - Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Max Scherzer walks off the field after being relieved in the fifth inning in Game 2 of baseball's National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Atlanta. Eight-time All-Star Max Scherzer is nearing a $130 million, three-year contract with the New York Mets, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday, Nov. 29, because the agreement was still being worked on and would be subject to a successful physical.(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

Scherzer to join Mets in massive free agent deal

Former Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer is expected to join the New York Mets in a massive three-year, $130 million deal, according to multiple reports. The Nationals traded Scherzer to the Los Angeles Dodgers last summer at the trade deadline and will now have to regularly face off against their former ace as Scherzer joins an NL East rival.

November 29, 2021