3 Stars: Collins, Penn proving to be worthwhile additions despite problems around them

The Washington Redskins fell to 0-2 on the regular and within the division, with a 31-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Redskins once again got off to a promising start as Adrian Peterson scored early in the second quarter for a 7-0 lead. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott's early turnover seemed to be a wake-up moment for that team as they responded with dominant play over their next few possessions in a convincing win. The shine from the stars in Washington are having trouble making it through the atmosphere, but here are a few who still lit up the imagination of Washington fans in Sunday's loss.

Third Star: Terry McLaurin

In his second start, the rookie shined as Washingtons' lone offensive playmaker. Finishing with five catches for 62 yards and one touchdown, the Ohio State speedster was the only receiver who consistently created separation from the Cowboys' tough coverage. Most impressively, he was followed by a premeire cover cornerback, Bryon Jones. It didn't seem to make a difference for the Indianapolis native.

McLaurin has established himself as the No. 1 receiver for quarterback Case Keenum. Unlike against the Philadelphia Eagles, it wasn't his speed that applied pressure on Dallas' secondary. Instead, it was his ability to route run, play physical, and making tough catches like the contested one-yard back shoulder touchdown from Keenum. Moving forward, Coach Jay Gruden should look to scheme McLaurin open especially out in space where he can utilize his speed. The third-round pick is a big play waiting to happen.

Second Star: Landon Collins

Injury plagued and confused, the Redskins' secondary proved again to be a major problem. Despite injuries, the expectation is for the nation's capital's back four to be more formable, at least based on salary. The former New York Giant signed a massive six-year, $84 million contract this past offseason and has been worth every guaranteed cent. He is the shining defensive star on a lackluster afternoon.

Collins, a Nick Saban product, is a safety who can play sideline to sideline, pass cover against tight ends and running backs, and stop the run as good as any safety in the league. He's decisively the best player on the Redskins' roster. His impressive play and numbers; 12 total tackles, 9 solo including a tackle-for-loss, led or tied the team in every category. Despite losing the game, his effort and dominance is essential if the Redskins' are to salvage the early season woes. Expect similar games as the season continues.

One Star: Donald Penn

Who would have guessed, without pro bowl left tackle Trent Williams, the offensive line would be the strength of the Redskins? Suddenly the noise surrounding Trent Williams' holdout is quieter week-to-week and it's because the play of Donald Penn. The offensive line only allowed one sack against Dallas.

For an offensive lineman to get noticed it's normally due to poor blocking. For the 14 year veteran, his play has a been a positive unnoticed for the Redskins. Last week, Penn performed well despite a few holding penalties. This week was an improvement and the rest of the Redskins' linemen against a smaller-but-speedy-and-aggressive defense.

Penn's stability and ability on the offensive line is the perfect opportunity for the Redskins' organization and fanbase. Williams is now expendable at a one of the most important positions in football. Washington could used Williams as a trade piece to add younger, explosive talent on the offensive side.

It wasn't all good for the blocking up front, though. The line was unable to create any running room for Peterson and company.

Though Keenum had plenty of time in the pocket against the Cowboys, excluding McLaurin, all other skilled positions fail to make any significant impact. Keenum, who finished with 26 of 37 for 221 yards and two TDs, settled for the check down pass too often. This year will be a long, painful watch of a season if the Redskins cannot move the ball more effectively and efficiently.