Redskins vs. Dolphins: 7 Things We Learned in Redskins 20-9 Loss

The Washington Redskins suffered a tough defeat on the road against a suddenly resurgent Miami Dolphins team.

The Redskins slumped to their sixth defeat of the season despite performing very well in several phases of the game.

Youngsters managed to impress on both sides of the ball, but unfortunately, were not ultimately rewarded for their efforts.

The Redskins were undone by critical turnovers and a failure to make a big play when it mattered the most.

Here are seven things learned in Washington's tough defeat.

7. Ryan Torain Needs to Run with More Imagination

Ryan Torain was given the starting nod for this game, but failed to make an impression.  Torain's running was sluggish and unimaginative.

Too many times, Torain was guilty of taking too long to get to the edge. When he did recognise an opportunity to make a cut, Torain failed to attack the opening with any real speed or purpose.

It was a disappointing performance from a back capable of much more. It was a surprise to see Torain get the start.

Rookie Roy Helu could have received a proper opportunity to build on his promising performance from last week. There was also still no sign of waiver wire pickup Tashard Choice.

The Redskins' continued struggles in the running game are destabilising an offense already severely hampered by ineffective quarterback play.

For an area of the game that is supposed to be Mike Shanahan's strength, the ground game has been poor for too long.

6. Trent Williams Is Fast Approaching

Second-year left tackle Trent Williams continues to struggle and is becoming a liability for the Redskins offense.

2010's fourth overall pick is dangerously close to being labelled a bust. Poor technique blighted him at the start of the campaign. Now a troubling lack of discipline is costing Williams and the Redskins.

After his foolish personal foul penalties against the 49ers, Williams was flagged on some costly holding calls in this game.

The former Oklahoma standout needs to focus more on the fundamentals and refining the raw aspects of his game.

Washington's offense needs Williams to step soon and develop into the cornerstone of the line they thought they were getting.

5. Ryan Kerrigan Is Becoming the Biggest Playmaker on Defense

Rookie Ryan Kerrigan is beginning to overtake Brian Orakpo and LaRon Landry as the most effective playmaker for the Redskins defense.

Kerrigan helped get Washington back into the game after another strip-sack takedown. The ex-Purdue star is proving to be a dangerous pressure and turnover specialist.

Kerrigan seems to have a better grasp on the nuances of playing outside linebacker in the 3-4 than the increasingly one-dimensional Orakpo.

A needless personal foul penalty early in the game shows that Kerrigan still has a lot to learn. But with each game, the first-year pro is becoming a bigger threat to opposing blocking schemes.

4. Leonard Hankerson Has the Potential to Be a Playmaker

Third-round rookie Leonard Hankerson finally seems to be making positive strides and is demonstrating some of his tremendous potential.

The young flanker has the ability to become the kind of potent playmaker the Redskins badly need on offense.

Hankerson was the Redskins best offensive player against the Dolphins. The former University of Miami star hauled in eight catches for 106 yards.

Hankerson showed good hands and ran precise routes. His size and intelligence helped him find the holes in the Dolphins coverage schemes for most of the day.

Along with tight end Fred Davis, Hankerson gives the Redskins two promising young weapons in the passing game.

Now if they could only get them the ball.

3. Perry Riley Looks Like a Decent Fit in the 3-4

Second-year inside linebacker Perry Riley performed capably in place of veteran Rocky McIntosh. Riley may actually be a better option than McIntosh in the middle of the 3-4 defense.

McIntosh has struggled at times this season. He continues to find it difficult to adapt to the requirements and responsibilities of playing in a 3-4.

McIntosh is most effective in space and tends to thrive on the perimeter. Riley plays with more aggression and is bringing a greater physical presence to the heart of the Washington defense.

Jim Haslett should consider persisting with Riley. The ex-LSU 'backer should be given the opportunity to grow into the role and maybe help ease the Redskins woes against the run.

2. The Defense Is Still Struggling to Make a Stand When It Matters Most

It's difficult to be too tough on the Redskins defense given how little help the unit receives from an inept offense.

But the defense can be criticised for often failing to make a stand when one is really needed.  As hard as the unit played at times against the Dolphins, the one time they had to stop Miami, they didn't.

Rex Grossman's red zone interception was the decisive play of the game. But the Dolphins offense was still allowed to drive almost 90 yards, en route to scoring the touchdown which put the game away.

The Redskins can rely on an effective pass rush and have some fine individual performers.  But on too many occasions, opposing offenses are able to find a play and convert at crucial times.

1. Rex Grossman Proved That the Redskins Can't Rely on Either Quarterback

Rex Grossman refuted this author's conviction that he would be a significant upgrade over the woeful John Beck.

Grossman self-destructed at crucial times and his errors ultimately cost the Redskins the game. All quarterbacks make mistakes. But Grossman has the unfortunate knack of making his at critical times in a game.

In fairness, Grossman was not helped by poor protection, a clueless rushing attack and a comically inaccurate kicking game.

But the fact remains that Grossman didn't do a good enough job of leading the offense in his first game back as the starter.

He failed to put Gano in closer, more makeable range, and he missed too many potential big plays. Grossman still represents the Redskins best chance to win this season, but he must become more reliable.

The season is rapidly spiralling out of control for the Redskins. The team needs better efficiency, along with more dynamism on both sides of the ball.