Redskins Reality Checks: Insult added to injury in Week 9 loss to Falcons

6. Reality Is, The Redskins have an opportunity to earn respect.

In my pre-game Reality Checks article, I said the Redskins had a chance to put themselves on the map as a legitimate playoff contender with a win over Atlanta. I said that expecting a shutout or an easy game against the Falcons would be crazy, but that expecting the Redskins to not dramatically outperform their effort against New Orleans would be equally foolish.

I thought the Redskins defense would prove it belonged in the “elite” discussion, holding the Falcons to 23 points on the afternoon. I also thought the offense would make strides with Jordan Reed and Adrian Peterson leading the way, putting up 27 points on 5 scoring drives.

Reality Check: This game was not quite as embarrassing as the New Orleans game, as the Redskins did put up a fight in a few spots and looked to maybe have a chance to make some noise late. Also, the injuries to the offensive line put a massive asterisk next to this loss.

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However, there can be no denying the fact that this defense struggles against speedy and effective passing attacks. There can also be no mistaking the fact that the Redskins don’t handle in-game adversity well. They have not won a game this year in which they trailed. That initial 7-0 deficit proved to be insurmountable, and with touchdowns right before and after the half, the Falcons put the game beyond any real doubt.

Some fans and pundits will talk about how the ‘Skins didn’t put up enough points and will attempt to put the blame on Alex Smith. Count me out on that. Smith had one of his better games as a Redskin and did plenty to keep the team in the game if the team around him hadn’t (literally and figuratively) imploded around him.

The bottom line is this, though: If the Redskins don’t find a way to make better in-game adjustments, don’t get more mistake-free play from their offensive line, don’t find a way to make some bigger plays offensively, and don’t find a way to guard speedy receivers and outside running plays, this season is going to go from encouraging to disappointing very fast.

Go ahead and vent, Redskins fans. Join the conversation @TheRealityIs__ on Twitter or in the comments below.