Vikings vs. Redskins: 6 Things We Learned from Washington's 33-26 Defeat

The Washington Redskins slipped to a hugely disappointing defeat after falling victim to a gutsy comeback from a game Minnesota Vikings team.

The Redskins overcame an early 10-0 deficit and tied things by halftime. Graham Gano boomed a 53-yarder in the third period to give Washington its first lead of the day.

But the Vikings took only three plays to edge back in front, despite losing star runner Adrian Peterson and rookie passer Christian Ponder to injury.

But instead of taking advantage, the Redskins folded. The defense couldn't cope with backups Joe Webb and Toby Gerhart.

The Washington rushing attack was again solid, but Rex Grossman suffered from a shaky performance from his pass protection.

Here are eight lessons learned from the Redskins' surprising loss.

6. Evan Royster Has the Potential To Be Just as Effective as Roy Helu

Sixth-round draft pick Evan Royster proved that the Redskins are now in a position where they are able to call on two talented young rushers.

With first-year sensation Roy Helu sitting out the game, Royster assumed the starting role and refused to be intimidated by his fellow rookie's recent heroics.

The ex-Penn State standout demonstrated good initial quickness and the upper body strength to pound out the yards between the tackles.

With Helu and Royster available to split the carries, running back is one of the few positions on the Redskins offense that can be considered a genuine team strength.

5. The Zone-Blocking Schemes Have Dramatically Improved Run Blocking

Plenty of criticisms can be made of Mike Shanahan. But one thing he deserves immense credit for is his uncanny ability to produce strong running games.

Shanahan' ground attack is spearheaded by athletic and powerful zone blocking up front. The Redskins' much maligned offensive line is starting to respond to the complex system, and the results are evident on the field.

Despite missing their starting left side due to injury and suspension, Washington's front five has become very effective clearing lanes for their youthful runners.

The unit was at it again against the Vikings, routinely driving the Minnesota front four backwards. They created plenty of holes and creases for Royster to power his way through.

It's clear that Shanahan's zone techniques are beginning to pay dividends for the ground game. Sadly, it's also just as clear that a similar improvement in technique is desperately needed in pass protection.

4. Addressing Weak Pass Protection Is an Offseason Priority

As good as they have been blocking for the run, the Redskins' offensive line has been equally as dire in attempting to protect Rex Grossman.

Washington's front five resembled a revolving door at times against a solid Vikings' pass rush. They surrendered three sacks.

The takedowns led to a crucial early turnover and an abundance of negative yardage, which helped keep Minnesota in the game.

To become a complete unit, the offensive line has to become more aggressive and decisive on passing plays.

Blockers simply don't seem as assertive as when they are working to get to the second level on running plays.

A more physically dominant presence is needed both on the outside and interior of the offensive line.

3. The Redskins Need a Viable Alternative to Fred Davis

This game confirmed what most Redskins fans probably already knew. The team simply does not possess a viable alternative or even a complement, to explosive tight end Fred Davis.

With Davis still missing due to suspension, the Redskins are struggling to find plays in clutch situations. For the second week in a row, the absence of Davis meant that the offense made extremely hard work of their opportunities in the red zone.

Washington's offense squandered several potential touchdowns and had to settle instead for field goals. This meant that the Vikings always remained in striking distance.

Short passes over the middle to Santana Moss inside the 10 were telegraphed and comfortably defended.

The Redskins must find another tight end who's able to pick up the slack in clutch situations when Davis is absent or well covered.

2. Jabar Gaffney Has Blossomed into a Real Playmaker

Many anticipate the return of Leonard Hankerson and the introduction of a promising rookie wideout or two via the draft.

But a fit again Hankerson and anybody who emerges from the draft will face a hard task getting Jabar Gaffney out of the starting lineup.

The journeyman pass catcher has enjoyed a fine debut season in D.C. Gaffney proved his worth against the Vikings, always making himself available in crucial situations.

Gaffney hauled in a scoring pass and finished with 77 yards.

Finding a complement for the savvy, sure-handed flanker is an important task for this offseason.

1. The Defense Desperately Needs More Playmakers

It's a bad sign when the defense is consistently unable to stop a Vikings offense minus Peterson and Ponder.

But the unit's failure to handle backup quarterback Joe Webb was symptomatic of a season-long inability to make a big play when it counts defensively.

Washington's defense has improved since 2010, but it's group still lacks truly dominant and dynamic athletes.

The defense is comprised of solid players but contains no true playmakers. The Redskins defense needs players who have a knack for the big play and who can turn a game in an instant.

The 3-4 front still fails to generate the turnovers coaches promised, and they simply gave the Vikings too many chances in this game.

Identifying legitimate playmakers in free agency and the draft will be critical heading into the 2012 season.

The Coaches Have To Bear Responsibility for the Lack of Consistency

It's difficult to fathom how the Redskins could look so efficient dominating the Giants on the road and follow that up with an embarrassing capitulation at home to a struggling Vikings team.

But the coaching staff must start to assume responsibility for the team's inability to put it all together. Inconsistency is usually the result of incoherent coaching, and the Redskins have been plagued by mixed messages all season.

The offense has picked things up in recent weeks, only for the normally reliable defense to let them down.

It's up to Shanahan and his staff to ensure there's a clear message in place for 2012 and that each unit is designed to properly complement the other.