With the Redskins’ 7-6 loss at the Cowboys and the Ravens’ 17-15 loss to the Colts, fans in Washington and Baltimore are bemoaning missed field goals.
The Redskins’ Shaun Suisham, who entered the game 12-for-12, flubbed tries of 39 and 50 yards. In Baltimore, newly acquired Billy Cundiff made five field goals, but shanked one of his easiest attempts, a 30-yarder, wide right.
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The Ravens’ loss was particularly painful as it came against the hated and undefeated Colts, who abandoned the city in 1984 and had the audacity to retain the nickname, the uniform, and the classic horseshoe helmet insignia.
Adding to the insult was that the Colts’ winning field goal came from a former Raven, Matt Stover, who was 24-for-24 in the fourth quarter in his 13 years in Baltimore.
The Ravens also can rue their inability to take advantage on a day when Colts quarterback Peyton Manning was human, throwing two interceptions and fumbling once.
But isn’t all this focus on the kickers misdirected? The real culprits in Baltimore and Washington are the inept offenses that seem allergic to the end zone.
Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell has actually received praise for his 24-of-37, 256-yard effort. But don’t you have to get the ball in the paint at least once to have a “good day?” Campbell’s interception on a tipped pass on the Redskins’ final possession sealed their fate.
In Baltimore, quarterback Joe Flacco had amazingly similar stats — 23-of-35 for 256 yards. His one interception also came at the worst time. The Ravens were deep in Colts’ territory with less than 3 minutes left when Flacco made a terrible throw, short, across the middle, and into the arms of linebacker Gary Brackett.
The Redskins (3-7) are done. The Ravens (5-5) still have time to rally. But without offenses that can get the ball into the end zone, it will be a frustrating and ugly final six games for the local teams.
