Redskins Report Card: Losing skid leads to big questions

The Redskins called it a must win.

Well, now what?

A lot of questions over the next two weeks -- and possibly the next eight. Washington has a much-needed bye week, but there will be lots of discussion over what’s gone wrong in this three-game losing streak after Sunday’s 21-13 loss to Carolina. At 3-6, coach Mike Shanahan said it’s now about evaluating to see what players will stick around for next season -- a bit early for those statements.

Offense: C

The Redskins controlled the ball for 35 minutes, 20 seconds and managed 337 yards.  RB Alfred Morris rushed for 76 yards on 13 carries. Robert Griffin III passed for 215 yards and rushed for 53. But the Redskins were 1 for 3 in the red zone, failing to convert on a fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line in the second quarter. And they converted just three of 15 third downs. They also had too many drives stalled or altered by penalties. Previous game’s grade: D

Defense: C-

The Panthers averaged 6.6 yards per play, a strong figure and a big reason why they managed 330 yards despite only 50 plays and 24:40 in time of possession. The Redskins again failed to generate much pressure on Carolina QB Cam Newton and they made no plays to speak of; it’s a big reason why they’re on a three-game skid. Carolina had two drives of 90-plus yards, robbing the momentum. The Redskins forced only two three-and-outs, but one came with less than 20 seconds left. They also gave up an 82-yard pass play because of broken coverage. Previous game’s grade: D-

Special teams: B

PK Kai Forbath made two more field goals to remain perfect on his eight field-goal attempts this season. His kickoffs are difficult because they’re not high or deep and returners are having success at catching them on the run, but the coverage is doing well to prevent longer returns. P Sav Rocca had his most consistent game in a while, averaging 45.7 yards on three punts, with a net of 43.0. He downed two punts inside the 20-yard line. The return game with Brandon Banks was unproductive. Previous game’s grade: B-

Coaching: CThe Redskins continue to go for it often on fourth down, though it was gutzy to go for it on fourth-and-goal from the 2, trailing by only four. It’s aggressive and after 15 plays, they wanted more than three points. OK. But the execution was poor. The red-zone play-calling did not work well enough -- they tried an option pitch to Brandon Banks on one play in which two receivers were aligned in the backfield. It helps to be able to sell the run, drawing defenders in to give Banks more of an opening. But the offense also is hindered without two playmakers: TE Fred Davis and WR Pierre Garcon. Defensively, the Redskins just don’t get teams off the field. There are occasional breakdowns in coverage and not everything is coaching-related. But there’s now a long string of tough games, dating to the midway point of last season. Previous game’s grade: C-

John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSRedskins or @John_Keim.