WASHINGTON — As the Redskins found out on Sunday in Atlanta, playing with poise can also end in pain. Poise in the noise was the Redskins battle cry heading into the Georgia Dome showdown against the Falcons, and the Burgundy and Gold showed it.
This is where the pain comes in. Because the Redskins competed well enough to win against a very good Falcons team, it makes it harder to swallow the 25-19 loss in overtime.
The Falcons had been averaging 34 points per game. The Redskins defense didn’t flinch and forced three turnovers. In the first half of Sunday’s game the Falcons only cobbled together three points, and only had 19 points after four quarters.
On offense the Redskins were not as effective on the ground and only gained 51 yards rushing. Poise was shown by the Redskins. The team was not rattled, and while outscored in the second half, did score 12 points in the fourth quarter.
The Redskins had the momentum. A masterful drive engineered by quarterback Kirk Cousins led to Dustin Hopkins game-tying field goal with five seconds left in regulation.
In overtime, the Redskins were moving the ball before wide receiver Ryan Grant slipped and Robert Alford turned an interception into a touchdown. That’s pain.
The Falcons are still undefeated. The Redskins are still inconsistent, at least in the win column. They are now 2-3.
Of more importance, the Redskins have been consistent in their approach. The team does not make excuses, just gives the kind of effort that will lead to more wins than losses by season’s end.
