With the Redskins right in the thick of a division title battle, the bye week comes at perfect time

After an uninspiring season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Redskins put together a string of three impressive performances before their early-season bye week to finish the first quarter of the season at 2-2. Injuries to Josh Norman and Montae Nicholson are big moving forward, but numerous players went down on both sides of the ball and a week off following a physically tough first month of the season will benefit the Redskins this season.

The Chiefs were a measuring stick for Washington to see where they stood after a solid victory against the Rams and a beatdown of the Oakland Raiders. With a great start from Washington, self-inflicted damage kept Kansas City in the game, and the Chiefs took advantage, and alongside numerous injuries for Washington took control of the game time-wise. The Chiefs dominated the time of possession following the first quarter, finishing the game with 37 minute to 22 minute advantage, but despite all the things that went in the Chiefs favor Kirk Cousins and company had the ball down three, with just under five minutes left. Down to third and two with 57 seconds left, the Redskins went for the win and had a great look with Jordan Reed and Josh Doctson.

Unfortunately, the ball popped out when Doctson hit the ground, a tough catch to make but should’ve been made, however it happens. The pressure was on the defense to come through at that point, and Kansas City was able to drive down and kick the game-winning field goal. The good thing to come out of that sequence is the growth in chemistry and trust between Cousins and Doctson, to go to him in that moment is a huge sign of faith, and after Doctson’s play against the Raiders, he’s earned more chances for sure. One can argue he should’ve gone to Jordan Reed in that moment, and I wouldn’t personally argue against that, but to be in that situation against one of the best teams in the NFL is one any coach can ask for. The key is execution, and that was an issue on one side of the ball for Washington.

When the Redskins come out of the bye week after next Sunday, the race for first place in the NFC East will be right where they left it after the Chiefs game. Following the San Francisco game, Philadelphia and Dallas will be up next in consecutive weeks, it’s on the Redskins to come out of the bye week ready and filled with a sense of urgency. It’s a good start to the season, but still, long ways to go.

Tough loss to a very good opponent. What are your thoughts? And what one suggestion would you make to the coaches to see more consistency on offense? Vote and Comment