Redskins Reality Checks Week 7: Upright rejects Cowboys comeback bid

5. Reality Is, the Redskins’ ability to handle week-to-week adversity doesn’t usually translate to in-game adversity.

Adjusting to in-game adversity has not been a strong suit for the Redskins under Jay Gruden. They have typically compounded in-game adversity with mistakes and lackluster play. Redskins fans have become conditioned to the idea that if they don’t start fast, the team will likely not have much chance of turning things around. I said I’d be watching closely to see how the team responded to adversity if it came.

The Redskins came out very aggressively and took the early lead. But after scoring on their first drive, the offense was gifted back-to-back possessions beginning in Dallas territory, thanks to great play by the defense. They managed to squander both opportunities without generating any points.  Ultimately, in spite of dominating time of possession and field position the entire first half, the Redskins went into the locker room at halftime tied 7-7. Often, in the past, this type of let-down has led to a complete collapse in the second half. But credit the coaching staff and players for coming back out in the second half and dominating the third quarter.

Reality Check: This game was a step in the right direction on this score. There was plenty of in-game ups and downs, and the Redskins didn’t fold under the pressure, nor did they make that crucial mistake to lose themselves the game. They stayed solid and steady to come away with a tough and important win.

6. Reality Is, the Redskins’ divisional record under Jay Gruden has been abysmal.

With all that was at stake in this game, fans had every right to expect a playoff mentality from the Redskins on Sunday. There would have been no excuse for the team to give anything less than max effort given the opportunity in front of them and the poor divisional record in past seasons.  I expected the team to respond to Gruden’s leadership and manage to put up a respectable and commendable effort against Dallas. I thought they’d lose, but I thought they’d do so in a valiant losing effort. I also was worried about how hot Gruden’s seat would start become if his losing streak to Dallas extended to 6.

Reality Check: I was right about the effort. Led by D.J. Swearinger’s incredible first quarter, Adrian Peterson’s dynamic effort, and inspired play all along the defensive front, the Redskins not only put forth winning effort and execution, they actually got the win! This team is in first place in the division, is set up with what appears to be a tolerable schedule in the coming weeks, and is playing good, disciplined football right now. If they can work out their obvious kinks in the passing game, and continue to gel in the secondary, they might have a shot at holding onto this division lead.

At 4-2 (1-0 in the division), the Redskins are past the point of a “nice start”, and are now in the meat of their schedule. It’s now time to see if they can come down off the “Beat Dallas” high and manage to win the rare away game in which they will be favored. Every week is a new challenge. The Redskins passed the test against Dallas. They’ve earned the right for the next portion of the season to matter. Now let’s see how they respond.

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