Redskins' midseason grade: Struggling defense holding back team

A look at the highs and lows of the first half of the season for the Washington Redskins (4-3-1) and what to expect in the second half:

Grade (C-plus): The Redskins are just a smidgen over average as their 4-3-1 record attests; they do own two nice road wins but started 0-2 at home. They could have easily won one of their final two games before the bye -- but failed. Washington’s offense ranks fourth in yards per game but 14th in scoring. If the red zone offense had been better, the Redskins could have won at least one more game. Maybe two. Defensively, the Redskins have struggled in almost all areas: 22nd in yards per game, 31st in yards per carry, 29th on third down, 19th in scoring.…