The Washington Redskins survived minus tight end Jordan Reed at times during the season. It was obvious they could have used more from him Monday night, but it was just as obvious Reed was still in a lot of pain.
And it’s a bad night when the only highlight from him involves a punch and not a catch (only one for six yards). Reed, of course, was ejected in the fourth quarter of Washington's 26-15 loss to Carolina after he punched safety Kurt Coleman.
Related players: Vernon Davis
Despite the ejection, the story said the bigger issue for Washington is what can it get from Reed over the final two games? He’s a big part of the offense and even though the Redskins have survived in games without him, they’re much better with him. And the offense will face two excellent defenses in the final two games. Chicago’s record is terrible (3-11) but the Bears’ defense has played well (ninth in total yards; 16th in points). The New York Giants’ defense is playing at a high level now, too (third in points per game and a combined 13 points allowed the past two weeks). Vernon Davis has played well but struggled with a couple of drops Monday night.