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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 defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) plays in an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Washington’s playoff hopes extend beyond winning NFC East

At 5-7, Washington is now just a game back of the 6-6 Minnesota Vikings for the seventh-seed in the NFC East. Starting this year, the NFL added an extra playoff team in each conference -- and that could benefit Washington.

December 8, 2020

Steve Kornacki breaks down NFL’s playoff picture on ‘Sunday Night Football’

MSNBC polling analyst Steve Kornacki appeared on 'Sunday Night Football' to break down the NFL's playoff picture. In a way, Kornacki was still talking about the importance of Arizona and Florida -- only he talking about the Cardinals and Dolphins, two teams fighting for a wild card spot in their respective conferences.

December 7, 2020
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) drops to pass as offensive guard Shane Lemieux (66) blocks during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Larry Maurer)

Giants rise and Eagles fall in wild afternoon for NFC East

The NFC East may be full of mediocre records, but the division sure doesn't lack drama. In a wild afternoon, the Giants upset the Seattle Seahawks in a 17-12 win in part thanks to Colt McCoy and Alfred Morris -- two former Washington veterans. As that unfolded, the Eagles benched quarterback Carson Wentz in favor of second-round rookie Jalen Hurts in their 30-16 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

December 6, 2020
Washington Football Team's Montez Sweat, second from left, and Ryan Kerrigan (91) celebrate Sweat's interception of a pass by Dallas Cowboys' Andy Dalton that Sweat ran back for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. Kamren Curl (31), Jeremy Reaves (39), Daron Payne (94), Jon Bostic (53) and Chase Young (99) run to join the celebration. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

Washington holds NFL’s best red zone defense

As Washington prepares to face Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and a dangerous Pittsburgh offense Monday, the team holds the league's best defense in the red zone. Opponents are scoring a touchdown just 48.4% of the time when inside the 20 against Washington. The league average, by comparison, is 61.8%.

December 6, 2020
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson walks the field before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Doug Pederson on hot seat with Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson is on the hot seat as his team spirals out of control, according to the NFL Network. Heading into Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers, the Eagles are 3-7-1 and have struggled mightily this season.

December 6, 2020
FILE - In this Monday, Feb. 24, 2020 file photo, Washington Wizards guard John Wall works out prior to an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Washington. The Houston Rockets have traded Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards for John Wall and a future lottery-protected. first-round pick. Both teams announced the trade Wednesday night, Dec. 2., 2020. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

John Wall gets fresh start with Rockets. Here’s what he can expect

As the point guard looks to re-establish himself from injuries that sidelined him the last two years, John Wall is joining a Rockets team that is in transition. The 30-year-old was traded to Houston on Wednesday in exchange for Russell Westbrook, but more changes could be coming for Houston.

December 3, 2020
In this Dec. 19, 2018 file photo, Washington Wizards guard John Wall walks off the court during a timeout during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Houston. The Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard says on Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, he has no plans to trade John Wall and is looking forward to seeing the point guard reunited in the backcourt with Bradley Beal.(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith, File)

Wizards trade John Wall to Rockets for Russell Westbrook

The Washington Wizards agreed to send star point guard John Wall and a first-round pick Wednesday to the Houston Rockets in exchange for guard Russell Westbrook, according to multiple reports. The trade came after heavy speculation that Washington was shopping Wall and that the 30-year-old was disgruntled with the franchise.

December 2, 2020
Washington Football Team tight end Logan Thomas (82) runs a pass route against the coverage of Dallas Cowboys safety Xavier Woods (25) in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

Washington’s bargain-bin approach to free agency paying off

The bargain-bin approach, it turns out, was a success. Despite what appeared to be uninspiring signings at the time, a 4-7 Washington team is in the hunt for the NFC East partially because of contributions from its free-agent class who are performing well beyond their expectations. Sure, the division's mediocrity helps, though the signings have largely panned out.

December 2, 2020