WASHINGTON — For the Redskins it is as much about journey as it is the destination.

In the wake of Monday’s 19-16 loss to the Cowboys, the Redskins should be angry. The burgundy and gold had a chance to show it was ready to move forward and become more than just another team in the muddled mediocre NFC east.

The Cowboys did not have Tony Romo, but the Redskins did not expect a free pass to victory. The NFL is still an on any given Sunday league — or in this case on any given Monday league — a place where favored teams only exist on paper. Ask the New England Patriots this week after their loss to the Eagles.

Still, a home game with sole possession of first place in the NFC East on the line should have provided the focus necessary for the Redskins to avoid racking up the kind of penalties that stunted the team’s progress on offense. The result was a night of kicks that ended with one swift kick.

Now we look to learn more about this Redskins team as it heads to Chicago in search of its first road win of the season. The track record of this edition of the Redskins indicates Monday’s setback should strengthen the team’s resolve.

The journey to the Redskins’ goal of the post season is now more difficult and in the end that might benefit the burgundy and gold’s long term growth.