It’s been a Jekyll-and-Hyde 2018 season so far for the Washington Redskins. Sunday’s home game against the Atlanta Falcons was definitely a Hyde performance.
Washington lost badly Sunday to the Falcons, 38-14, as Atlanta jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back while Washington could do very little right.
The Redskins were also hampered by injuries to three offensive linemen. All-Pro Trent Williams was listed as inactive prior to the game and left guard Shawn Lauvao (left knee) and right guard Brandon Scherff (shoulder) suffered injuries that caused them to leave the game.
Another lineman, Morgan Moses, was also hurt during the game but returned.
Meanwhile, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan completed 26 of 38 passes for 350 yards and four touchdowns.
Atlanta’s offense converted on their first eight third-downs, which Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said was a big key in the loss.
“We weren’t very good on third downs to beat a team like that,” Gruden said of his team’s defense. “We have to get them off the field and we didn’t do that.”
Penalties also damaged Washington’s opportunities as they committed 10 penalties for 147 yards.
Safety D.J. Swearinger Sr. said the reason for Washington’s loss was a simple one.
“It wasn’t the preparation, we just didn’t execute,” Swearinger said.
Despite the loss, Washington (5-3) remains atop the NFC East. They’ll travel to Raymond James Stadium on Sunday to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5, last place in the NFC South).
