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Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

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

Articles by Matthew Paras

Washington Football Team's Chase Young (99) warms up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

Chase Young, Brandon Scherff named to Pro Bowl

On Monday, Chase Young earned an honor that is sure to be the first of many throughout his career: Young was named to the Pro Bowl -- leading all defensive ends in the NFC in fan votes.

December 21, 2020
Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera on the field at the end of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Landover, Md. Seattle won 20-15. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Ron Rivera not focused on ‘getting revenge’ against Panthers

Despite Washington's 20-15 loss Sunday to the Seattle Seahawks, the team has a chance to clinch the NFC East with a win over the Panthers -- and if the New York Giants lose to the Baltimore Ravens, a matchup that takes place at the same time (1 p.m.).

December 21, 2020
Seattle Seahawks running back Carlos Hyde (30) breaks away from Washington Football Team cornerback Ronald Darby (23) to begin his 50-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Washington’s defense strong, but not enough against Seattle

Despite the praise and another solid performance from the defense as a whole, the unit was unable to overcome a slow start that proved costly in the loss. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson went without being sacked and the Seahawks rushed for 181 yards on 26 carries as Washington's four-game winning streak was snapped.

December 20, 2020
Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith (11) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Alex Smith out for Sunday

Washington ruled out quarterback Alex Smith for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. Dwayne Haskins will start in Smith's place.

December 18, 2020
Detroit Pistons guard Derrick Rose (25) passes the ball next to Washington Wizards center Thomas Bryant, right, during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Wizards still working through kinks in preseason loss to Pistons

The Wizards' offensive problems could easily be explained by noting Washington was without three of its top offensive playmakers: Russell Westbrook and Davis Bertans sat for rest, while Rui Hachimura missed the game with pink eye. But here are three takeaways from the Wizards' preseason home opener

December 17, 2020
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar sits on the bench during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Quinton Dunbar’s trade looks wise in retrospect

Washington's decision to move on from Dunbar, coming off a breakout season, was widely panned at the time. Back then, coach Ron Rivera justified the trade by explaining that the team wasn't prepared to give Dunbar an extension right away and obliged Dunbar's trade request rather than have the situation worsen. Rivera frequently referenced that, in his first year with Washington, he needed players to buy in -- and would get rid of the ones who didn't.

December 17, 2020
New York Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett gestures as he stands next to quarterback Colt McCoy (12) before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. Garrett's gesture is the hand sign for the University of Texas, where McCoy was the starting quarterback from 2006 to 2009. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Jason Garrett tests positive for COVID-19

New York Giants offensive coordinator and former Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett tested positive for COVID-19, keeping him out of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns.

December 17, 2020
Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith (11) against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) **FILE**

Alex Smith could play against Seahawks without practice

Washington quarterback Alex Smith did not practice Wednesday, nursing a right calf strain. But coach Ron Rivera left open the possibility of the 36-year-old still playing in Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks -- even if Smith is unable to practice all week.

December 16, 2020