Three keys from Redskins’s loss: Inability to run on first down stalled offense

LANDOVER — After the Washington Redskins’ 19-16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, their path to the playoffs went winding back into the thornbush that is the NFC East.

The Redskins (5-7), who could have moved into first place with a win on Monday, are now ensnared in a three-way tie with the Philadelphia Eagles (5-7) and New York Giants (5-7), and the Cowboys (4-8) are no longer so far behind.

It’s unclear how any of this will shake out over the final four weeks of the season, but trying to make sense of the division feels meaningless unless the Redskins can beat the Chicago Bears on Sunday. There are two games looming at the end of the schedule against Philadelphia and Dallas, but the Redskins need to survive what’s ahead first. Washington is yet to win on the road, losing all five of its contests away from FedEx Field.

The Giants lost to the New York Jets, 23-20, in overtime on Sunday, opening the door for the Redskins to cushion their lead in the division with a win against Dallas.

There were plenty of opportunities for the Redskins to put the Cowboys away, but they never capitalized. They converted three turnovers into just three points — two of which occurred in Dallas’ territory. They committed nine penalties for 73 yards, which stalled the offense and wiped out big gains. Dustin Hopkins missed a 43-yard field goal that would have given the Redskins a 12-6 lead. DeSean Jackson botched a punt return in the final two minutes that put Dallas in position for an easy score.

“It’s all there in front of us,” quarterback Kirk Cousins said. “We made it harder on ourselves tonight by not winning. We do have a tough road here in front of us; it’s the fourth quarter of the season. Three quarters in the rearview mirror, and the fourth quarter ahead of us. Won’t be an easy road but it is still meaningful games where we’re playing for something. It’s all out there in front of us. Now we look towards Chicago with fierce preparation.”

With that, here are three takeaways from the Redskins’ loss.

** The Redskins rushed for 73 yards on Monday on 26 carries, averaging 2.8 yards per carry. What stood out the most was their inability to run successfully on first down. At one point, the Redskins attempted five consecutive first-down run plays, all with Matt Jones, and totaled just four yards. That’s not going to get it done. It would have been nice to see the Redskins mix it up a bit on first down, especially after forcing their turnovers. After two of their three fumble recoveries, Washington went with a running play. After halftime, the Redskins stuck solely with running back Matt Jones. He carried the ball 10 times in the second half and finished with 18 carries. Morris rushed six times for 12 yards in the first half, but never touched the ball after that.

** The Redskins inability to convert turnovers into points is concerning as they enter the final stretch of the season. They forced three turnovers against the Giants, none of which led to points, but it ultimately did not harm them in a 20-14 victory. On Monday, the Redskins could have benefited greatly from it. The Redskins recovered three fumbles, but only managed three points. Two of the fumbles were recovered in the Cowboys’ territory, but the Redskins failed to come away with a touchdown.

** Inside linebacker Keenan Robinson was active for the first time in three weeks, but he never played a snap. Mason Foster was impressive in his first start for the Redskins. He had seven tackles, forced a fumble and had a fumble recovery. What stood out was his pursuit of the ball carrier and his effort even when it seemed the play had passed him. In the third quarter, after Darren McFadden picked up a seven-yard gain, Foster stayed with the play and came in late to strip the ball away from Cowboys’ running back. With Perry Riley out three to six weeks with a broken bone in his foot, the Redskins could benefit from the return of Robinson, but Foster proved to be a capable fill in.