With just over two and a half minutes to go in regulation on Sunday, the Redskins had a 16-12 lead over the Falcons. Atlanta had just one timeout, plus the two-minute warning, to drive 80 yards down the field. Down by four, they had to score a touchdown to take the lead. The Falcons proceeded to put together a 10-play, 80-yard touchdown drive, with 24 seconds to spare.
Observers accused the Redskins’ defense of playing prevent defenses or soft coverages, particularly between the 20-yard lines. But in reality, they were simply playing the zone coverages they had been playing most of the game.