Just when you thought the Redskins were starting to figure it out – they play another contest in which the team does not look ready. Trailing at one point 28-7 to the resurgent Falcons, Washington could not get back in the game.
It was not a lack of effort, it was a raft of injuries and limited big play ability.
In falling to 5-3 overall and at Tampa next week, the Redskins might have had a season altering afternoon. Without already injured Trent Williams, it seemed like every other offensive lineman was out of the game at some point.
Shawn Lauvao injured a knee early. Morgan Moses the same, although he returned to action. Brandon Scherff had shoulder issues. Chase Roullier, the starting center, made it through the game.
Not too good. If the offensive line is beat up, the would mean Adrian Peterson is in trouble. He was shut down today. No blockers = no running game.
Alex Smith, even though he had 300+ yards, still looks overmatched. Maybe he is too old, maybe he was a the beneficiary of a great offensive game plan in KC. In DC, he looks done.
The defense? Gave up too many chunk plays, but kept the game in reach until the offense found a way to kill the day.
I expected a little more, with the new safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. But if you thought they were going to fully shut down the Falcons, the joke was on you.
The Redskins have a level, the Falcons offense was above that and it showed. Washington only has one winning team left on the schedule, the Houston Texans. And they are more of a grind it out than shoot it out type of show at the moment.
It can still be a good year, but not great in DC. Just win the games you are supposed to win.