Cowboys vs. Redskins: 9 Things We Learned in Redskins 27-24 OT Loss

Despite playing well, the Washington Redskins dropped a close decision to arch rivals the Dallas Cowboys. The Redskins succumbed in overtime, 27-24, to lose their sixth-straight.

The tough loss condemns the Redskins to a 3-7 mark and officially ends their slim postseason hopes. Once again offensive mistakes and a defense that failed to make the big play at crucial times cost the Redskins dearly.

After battling back from an early 10-0 deficit, the Redskins went in at halftime with a four-point advantage. Washington's offense then added three points to start the second half.

But things began to unravel after Graham Gano pulled a 49-yard field goal attempt wide. The pass protection broke down and the defense couldn't stop the Cowboys on third down.

Here are nine lessons from this humbling defeat.

9. The 3rd Down Defense Is Weak

The Redskins defense was terrible on third down today. Aside from the numbers, the unit routinely yielded a conversion at critical moments during the game.

The Dallas offense was frequently faced with third and long yardage to go. Several times in these situations, Tony Romo was able to dodge a rusher in the pocket and find an open receiver.

Romo's touchdown strikes to Laurent Robinson and Jason Witten were the prime examples of how the Redskins surrendered a big play when it mattered the most.

But the nadir came in overtime when Dez Bryant was given single coverage. The Redskins' muddled attempts to compensate with late zone droppers failed miserably, and Bryant converted yet another third and long.

The overly aggressive gambling of Jim Haslett has created problems in this area. But so have his questionable play calling instincts.

Too many times the Redskins rush when they should drop, and drop when they should rush. Anything above 3rd-and-10 should be a coverage call, and anything below is an opportunity to bring extra pressure.

Poor execution has not helped, but the Redskins defense must find a way of producing more decisive stands.

8. The Blitz Package Needs Work

When the Redskins did dial up some extra pressure, their blitzes were often slow to develop. There seemed to be quite a bit of confusion among the players.

The multiple movement before the snap, served only to confuse the Redskins players. Delayed blitzes by the defensive backs were tentative and badly timed.

The Redskins could be overloading the players with too much scheme and asking them to operate too far out of their natural comfort zones.

The question remains, do the Redskins need to blitz quite as often as they do? The defensive line has put up good sack numbers this year and Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan are as dangerous a duo as any in the league.

More line movements, particularly in the base package, could be the key to generating consistent pressure.

This would enable the Redskins to protect the defensive backs with some safer coverage schemes.

7. The Redskins Corners Are Not Good Enough to Be Isolated in Single Coverage

Cornerbacks DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson simply cannot be left alone in one on one coverage. Hall and Wilson are routinely being victimized in single coverage.

Both corners are struggling to physically handle receivers at the point of attack. Too may times wideouts are being allowed a clean release off the line of scrimmage.

Neither Hall nor Wilson could were able to adequately handle Robinson or Dez Bryant. Washington's defensive schemes must be tweaked to provide more support for the corners.

The Redskins simply do not posses the cover men to support their heavy pressure packages.

6. Roy Helu Must Be Given More Chances to Lead the Running Game

Rookie rusher Roy Helu once again demonstrated the potential to revive the fortunes of Washington's ground game.

Helu displayed good change of direction speed and power at the point of contact against the Cowboys defense.

The problem is that the Redskins do not seem to completely trust any of their runners. The offense never sticks with the run long enough during a game.

Just like any receiver or quarterback, a runner relies on rhythm and needs consistent touches of the ball in order to get a feel for the game.

Despite achieving an impressive 4.4 yards per carry average against a suspect Dallas run defense, Helu was only given eight carries all game.

The Redskins need to resist the urge to abandon the run too quickly and allow Helu the opportunity to take control of a game.

5. Jabar Gaffney Is Putting Together a Very Impressive Season

Journeyman pass catcher Jabar Gaffney is quietly putting together some very respectable numbers. Gaffney has emerged as the prime target for Rex Grossman and was a real playmaker in this game.

Gaffney knifed through the Cowboys secondary and exposed the holes in the Dallas coverage schemes. His precise route running and excellent hands enabled him to always get open and come up with a play when the offense really needed one.

He finished with seven receptions for 115 yards and a score. The former Denver Bronco has surprised many with his steady performances this season. Gaffney has firmly established himself as the main threat at wideout for the Washington offense.

4. Chris Neild Is Making a Strong Case for Additional Playing Time

Seventh-round draft choice Chris Neild is making a strong case for increased playing time in the base defense.

The ex-West Virginia standout is the closest thing the Redskins have to a natural 2-gap nose tackle. He seems to be able to handle double teams well and was in on a sack.

Extremely powerful at the point of attack, Neild generates a tremendous push and creates a lot of pressure on the pocket.

Including Neild more often in base fronts could be way to resolve some of the issues that have plagued the run defense this season. 

3. London Fletcher Deserves More Recognition as One of the Best in the Game

London Fletcher deserves more recognition as one of the finest inside linebackers in the NFL. The evergreen tackling machine was in outstanding form against the Cowboys.

Fletcher was excellent in every phase of the game. His instincts, aggression and sound technique spearheaded a surprisingly good effort to subdue Dallas rookie sensation DeMarco Murray.

Fletcher's smarts also allowed him to be a threat as a supplemental pass rusher. His superb all-round performance certainly deserved a victory.

However, as the Redskins continue to fall this season, there will certainly be no quit from Fletcher—just more stellar play.

2. Rex Grossman Still Gives the Redskins the Best Chance to Win

Despite more costly mistakes, Rex Grossman still gives the Redskins the best chance to win during the remainder of this season.

Grossman's decision making is always dubious. Electing to take a sack instead of throwing the ball away in overtime was another critical error from the uncertain triggerman.

But the offense is still more likely to put points on the board with Grossman under center. His rapport with Gaffney and the outstanding Fred Davis always promises to muster yards and lead to a score.

With a little more help from certain receivers, particularly Anthony Armstrong, Grossman would have put up more points today.

There is no doubt that Grossman needs upgrading once the season ends. But the real fault for the poor performances at quarterback lies with Mike Shanahan.

1. Mike Shanahan's Decision Making Is Becoming Increasingly Dubious

Mike Shanahan's decision making was at its erratic worst against the Cowboys. The choice to take a timeout and ice the kicker in overtime was hurried and rash.

The Cowboys were about to be flagged for five yards, which would have made the crucial kick even more difficult.

But the Redskins let their rival off the hook by ignoring the fact that the play clock was running down, and the Cowboys had no way to stop it.

The timeout allowed the Cowboys to regroup and kept the pivotal kick under 40 yards. Shanahan has to take the blame.

His handling of the team has been erratic since he took over. The Redskins have lost six straight and face the prospect of yet another season in the basement of the NFC East.

Shanahan must do a better job of rallying the team and bringing everyone together, if the Redskins are going to win again this season.