Absolute zero for Redskins in home finale

Even when the Washington Redskins were at their lowest point this season, finding it difficult to protect quarterback Jason Campbell, open holes for various running backs and reach 20 points, they were always able to score at least a field goal and enter the red zone at least once.

Until Sunday night.

Against a Dallas Cowboys defense that flummoxed an elite New Orleans offense last week, the Redskins provided little resistance in a 17-0 loss at FedEx Field that clinched the franchise’s first winless NFC East record in 15 years.

The Redskins (4-11) punted a season-high eight times, and only a garbage-time drive lifted them above 200 yards. An offense that was functional and entertaining for a five-week stretch during the second half of the year has reverted back to its early-season ways — a combined 12 points the past two games.

The Redskins were shut out for the first time since October 2005 and for the first time at home since December 2003.

“Tonight was very frustrating,” Redskins coach Jim Zorn said after likely his final home game. “We could not put a drive together. The frustrating thing was their front four beat us, and we couldn’t mount any consistency with our offense, and that was the big story for us.”

Dallas (10-5) clinched a playoff spot and eliminated the New York Giants. The Cowboys face Philadelphia (11-4) on Sunday for the NFC East crown.

The Cowboys completed a season sweep of the Redskins for the first time in five years.

“The hardest thing for me is to watch our team lose to that team because of the division rivalry and too many blue jerseys having a good time in our stadium,” Zorn said.

Dallas scored two first-half touchdowns and then held possession for 20:04 of the second half to prevent the Redskins from getting close to the end zone — Washington’s closest penetration was the 25-yard line on its final drive.

In two losses to Dallas this year, the Redskins managed two field goals and ran exactly one play (a field goal) inside the 20-yard line.

By far the NFC East’s last-place team, the Redskins finished 0-6 in the division — only the second goose egg since the NFL-AFL merger.

“It’s very hard, and it’s devastating to not win a division game,” Zorn said.

Said receiver Santana Moss: “Losing is losing no matter who it is and what division. When you lose, it’s just rough. It’s something we have to deal with it. The record will still be the same tomorrow, and what happened previously will be the same. It’s harder to do than say, but we have to move on.”

Zorn’s tenure likely has one game remaining (Sunday at San Diego), and speculation continues to swirl at how the Redskins will operate until they likely hire Mike Shanahan.

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