Titanic loss hurts playoff chances

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This was a game the Redskins couldn't lose.

The Titans weren't supposed to be much more of a challenge than the bye two weeks hence. They had won only nine games in the previous two seasons and were 0-5 this season. They were starting a rookie quarterback against a Redskins defense that usually devours first-year passers the way sportswriters consume trays of chocolate chip cookies.

And this game followed by a week the frustrating-as-usual trip to the Meadowlands and preceded by a week the Redskins' visit to the home dome of unbeaten Peyton Manning and Co.

The Redskins simply couldn't afford to lose yesterday.

They built a 14-3 lead in front of the home fans who went wild with joy when Washington beat Jacksonville in overtime two weeks ago -- and then found a way to do the unthinkable.

The Redskins lost 25-22, a shocking defeat that just about snuffed any thoughts of a return trip to the playoffs considering the schedule ahead.

The one-sided losses to the Cowboys and Giants were more significant, coming against division rivals. But neither was as embarrassing as this one. The Monday Morning Quarterback feels like staying under the covers and hiding in shame this morning.

Q: How could this happen? How could a team that roughed up a serious Jaguars bunch two weeks ago lose at home to the Titanics?

A: Let us count the ways. Other than one long throw to Brandon "I'm Still On The team" Lloyd and an early touchdown pass to Chris Cooley, Mark Brunell's arm had all the zip of an over-the-hill knuckleballer. The last-minute interception he threw was a dying quail.