Redskins Breakdown: Consistency is the difference in close loss

The Redskins played valiantly against the best team in the nation. But when it was all said and done, they couldn’t get the win, despite leading for more than half the game.

The score reads 29-20, but eight seconds before the final whistle, and before the Chiefs’ game winning field goal, the score was 20-20. Nearly a minute earlier, the Redskins were down 17-20 in enemy territory, and Kirk Cousins lofted a beautiful throw to Josh Doctson in the end zone. But the second year pro couldn’t make the catch.

The defense played well in the first quarter, but after that, they seemed to falter. Injuries and long Kansas City drives were their undoing, By the end of the game, three active cornerbacks had, at one point or another, left with injuries. And the Chiefs consequently moved the ball at will against the worn out unit.

It was a loss that won’t soon leave our minds as one of the more disappointing ones in some time. Not simply because the Redskins lost, but because they had a true chance to win this game. They ended the first quarter with a 10-0 lead, and they never fell behind by more than one possession until the final play.

There’s a lot to take away from this loss, both good and bad. Luckily, it’s early, and the Redskins are right there in the thick of the NFC East. With their toughest test now behind them, they can rest during the bye week and  prepare themselves for the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6. But for now, let’s break down the team’s close loss on the road. Who played well? What led to their downfall? What does this mean for the future? Turn the page, and find out.