Redskins Reality Checks: Insult added to injury in Week 9 loss to Falcons
By Tim Payne
2. Reality Is, Atlanta’s offensive line isn’t much better than New York’s.
The Falcons out-coached the Redskins on this front. They simply schemed away from the Redskins’ strong defensive front, and the ‘Skins had no solutions and no adjustments. I thought the Redskins would notch at least three sacks and hold the Falcons under 100 yards rushing.
Reality Check: They couldn’t get pressure, getting only three sacks, and they didn’t stop the run, allowing the Falcons to run for over 150 yards.
3. Reality Is, the Redskins need to take advantage of Atlanta’s defense.
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The Falcons came in as the 30th ranked defense in the NFL, and the ‘Skins made them look downright impenetrable most of the day. I predicted the Redskins would struggle to run the ball, thinking the Falcons would force the Redskins away from the running game. I thought Alex Smith would make some strides and compile some yards against the Falcons. I didn’t expect offensive line injuries and a seemingly endless stream of penalties to obliterate the Redskins’ other plans.
Reality Check: There were strides made at points in the passing attack, with Alex Smith going 30-for-46 for 306 yards and one TD, to go with an unlucky INT. Maurice Harris and Vernon Davis had very productive days. But penalties, drops, and injuries, along with a terrible game plan and execution defensively are the story of this game. Lost to most Redskins fans in the bitterness of defeat will be the fact that Alex Smith put together several nice drives in this game, made some aggressive and accurate throws, handled pressure better, and improved overall.