Seven games remain in the season, a fact the Redskins used to console themselves after yet another stomach-churning defeat. But the Redskins had a chance to make those seven games meaningful with a win Sunday. Now, it’s uncertain what direction the season will take.
When Philadelphia rallied from a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Washington, 33-25, Sunday, the Eagles derailed any serious playoff talk. At least for now.
The Redskins exited the game with a mental bruise from a second home divisional loss. They also continue to battle injuries, a bad sign heading into games at Dallas and Tampa Bay the next two weeks.
Washington could have entered that stretch with a 6-3 mark. Instead, the Redskins stumble in with a 5-4 record.
“We knew there was a lot at stake,” Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said.
All they had to do was protect a 22-13 leadwith 12 minutes, 36 seconds left in the game. But the Eagles rallied with three touchdowns while the Redskins managed one more field goal — after having a first and goal at the 3-yard line.
It followed a familiar script. The Redskins blew a double-digit lead at home to the New York Giants and lost a lead and game at Green Bay.
“We have given three games away,” Redskins receiver Antwaan Randle El said.
“We’ve got a lot of talent, we just have to learn to finish,” Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels said. “That’s been the story of the team the whole season.”
Stories like that are destined for ugly endings. Especially if injuries continue to mount. Sunday, safety Sean Taylor (knee) and James Thrash (ankle) left the game. Thrash has a high sprain, likely a several-week injury. Taylor’s status was uncertain after the game. Theirs are just the latest in a long list of injuries.
But the number of self-inflicted wounds proved just as costly. The Redskins had two illegal contact penalties on defense; the first came on third and 11 prolonging a touchdown drive; the second came on a second-and-20 and also on a scoring march.
The Redskins also missed an extra point.
“I wish I could tell you that I could write a poem and read it to the team and all of a sudden have killer instinct,” corner Fred Smoot said. “We’ve got to build up to that fast, like in a week.
“All I can do is think of the next game. People won’t say too much if we end up 12-4.”
No, they won’t. But after Sunday, would anyone dare predict such a finish? But the Redskins immediate worry is finding a way to recover quickly.
“We can’t do anything about a loss,” Redskins center Casey Rabach said. “You can’t say, ‘What if, what if.’ That’s where we are. We’re 5-4 and we need to be 6-4.”
