Every loss hurts, but some losses hurt more than others. We choose each week’s most painful loss every Tuesday on PFT.
The Carson Palmer excitement got me distracted from my usual Tuesday duties: What loss hurt the most in Week Six?
There were a few decent options to choose. The Vikings turned the page to 2012 in embarrassing fashion. The Saints missed a golden chance to take control of the NFC South, and lost their head coach to injury in the process.
But the worst loss of the week belongs to the Redskins because it feels so familiar.
It’s easy to forget now, but the Donovan McNabb Redskins were 4-3 at one point last year. They had wins over three eventual playoff teams (Philly, Green Bay, and Chicago), with two of those wins coming on the road.
And then the wheels started to come off in Detroit. A Week Eight loss to the Lions ended with McNabb replaced by Rex Grossman. That was followed by a financial apology for McNabb, more losing, and eventually McNabb’s permanent benching.
We don’t think the Redskins will enter that sort of tailspin, and Rex Grossman isn’t getting any more money. But Washington’s 20-13 loss to Philadelphia was a cold dose of reality for Redskins fans. They still don’t have a quarterback. Their starter threw four picks to a struggling defense. Their backup, John Beck, lost a training camp competition with Grossman.
The Redskins had a chance to absolutely bury the Eagles in the division. Instead, Washington lost at home and now stand at 1-2 in division play. Two offensive linemen were hurt, with one out for the season.
This year’s Washington team is better than it was a year ago. It’s just not good enough to overcome its quarterback position.