San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Anquan Boldin on the 49ers' first possession as San Francisco takes on the Washington Redskins at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on November 23.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Anquan Boldin on the 49ers' first possession as San Francisco takes on the Washington Redskins at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on November 23. Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post

Redskins drop to 3-8 after 17-13 loss to the 49ers in San Francisco.

Redskins drop to 3-8 after 17-13 loss to the 49ers in San Francisco.

Redskins drop to 3-8 after 17-13 loss to the 49ers in San Francisco.

Only five weeks remain in the regular season, and it appears Robert Griffin III’s time is running out with the Washington Redskins.

Griffin’s long slide continued Sunday afternoon during a 17-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, potentially moving the team a step closer to making a major change at quarterback. In another largely ineffective performance, Griffin struggled for most of the game as the Redskins lost their third straight since he returned to the starting lineup.

Although Washington’s pass protection was generally poor with Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams sidelined, Griffin’s shortcomings in the pocket continued to derail the offense. At least Alfred Morris was in top form.

Morris powered Washington with a turn-back-the-clock performance, rushing for a season-high 125 yards and a touchdown. The third-year back ran with the type of efficiency and authority we’ve seldom seen this season.

Overall, the Redskins had one of their better games defensively, especially in forcing turnovers. Again, though, the defense finished poorly. The 49ers scored the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter, and Griffin failed to engineer a comeback.

An excellent showing by the defense was not enough to save the Redskins as they lost to the San Francisco 49ers, 13-17. The Washington Post's Gene Wang and Scott Allen discuss the loss and breakdown RGIII's performance. (Kyle Barss/The Washington Post)

On two possessions in the final three minutes, Washington did not gain a first down. The game all but ended after Griffin was sacked and the 49ers recovered his fumble with 52 seconds remaining.

Griffin’s future with Washington is what matters most. Let’s start there.

Better but not good

After his atrocious two-interception, six-sack performance in a Week 11 loss to the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Redskins hoped Griffin would rebound against the formidable 49ers. He did some things better.

In the second quarter, Griffin made consecutive strong throws to Andre Roberts and Pierre Garcon, helping set up Morris’s one-yard touchdown run. Midway through the fourth, Griffin’s eight-yard scramble put Kai Forbath in position to kick a go-ahead 46-yard field goal. And Griffin also displayed his toughness while being sacked five times and hit eight.

That established, it’s the same story with Griffin: His lack of pocket presence is a big problem. On one sack in the first half, Griffin took a five-step drop and then two steps forward in the pocket while he surveyed the defense. He took way too long to make a decision and get the ball out of his hand.

Coach Jay Gruden and offensive coordinator Sean McVay have narrowed the scope of the offense. They call fewer passing plays with longer-developing routes. But in his third season, Griffin is so raw in the pocket, he’s at best a project.

Gruden’s concerns about Griffin are apparent in his play-calling. On third and 13 from the Redskins 40-yard line in the first quarter, Gruden called a draw play that resulted in no gain. A draw. Gruden might as well have held a flashing neon sign that read, “I don’t trust Robert.”

On Sunday, Griffin only attempted 19 passes, completing 11. He had 106 yards and another unimpressive 73.6 passer rating.

Gruden and McVay have done a lot to attempt to help Griffin. It’s just not working.

Offensive line

Well, Redskins coaches knew they would be in big trouble this season if rookie tackle Morgan Moses had to play a significant role. Moses is not ready, which was crystal clear again against the 49ers.

On speed moves, edge rushers beat Moses way too easily. And for Moses, it’s not just technique problems. Moses lacks the necessary awareness and focus to consistently protect a right-handed quarterback’s blind side.

On the Redskins’ final play from scrimmage, Moses whiffed against 49ers defensive lineman Justin Smith, who crushed Griffin, causing a fumble that Ahmad Brooks recovered. Moses should not be on the field. It’s as simple as that.

Running man

Without Williams, Washington’s effectiveness in the running game was especially impressive. Morris deserves much of the credit for his first 100-yard rushing performance this season and the 11th of his career.

Morris ran decisively — something he often failed to do in Washington’s first 10 games — reading the line’s movement well, making one cut and accelerating. When he’s at his best, Morris is one of the NFL’s top backs at “pressing” the hole. He doesn’t hesitate or jump around. He finds the right spot and aggressively attacks it.

One play early in the third quarter illustrated how Morris excelled throughout the game. On first and 10 from the Washington 22-yard line, Griffin handed off to Morris on a stretch play toward the right sideline. Utilizing strong blocks by right tackle Tom Compton and fullback Darrel Young, Morris sprinted through a hole for a season-high 30-yard gain. Morris also displayed tone-setting power.

On several carries in the first half, Morris dragged would-be tacklers for extra yards. For Washington, Morris inspired confidence. With Griffin struggling, the Redskins needed something to believe in on offense. Morris delivered.

Turnover time

For Gruden, Washington’s failure to consistently produce turnovers has been among his biggest sources of frustration. Beginning play Sunday, the Redskins were tied for the NFL’s second-worst turnover differential at minus-11.

Against the 49ers, the Redskins won the turnover battle, which clearly helped them. Washington forced three turnovers — two fumbles and an interception — and finished at plus-two. Griffin’s fumble on the final drive was Washington’s only turnover.

Although safety Brandon Merriweather and outside linebacker Trent Murphy made nice plays in stripping ballcarriers, cornerback Greg Ducre came up with a highlight-worthy turnover. An undrafted rookie free agent out of the University of Washington, Ducre was only in the game because the Redskins had a mess at cornerback.

Starter David Amerson was suspended for violating a team rule, and backup Tracy Porter was sidelined early in the third. Not surprisingly, the 49ers challenged Ducre after he replaced Porter, sending crafty veteran wide receiver Anquan Boldin on a deep route. Ducre covered Boldin well and was in perfect position for his first career interception.

Rarely have the Redskins been opportunistic on defense. Gruden liked what he saw on Sunday and hopes to see much more of it the remainder of the season.

The takeaway

Before Griffin returned, Colt McCoy led the Redskins (3-8) to consecutive victories, including a road win against the NFC East-leading Cowboys. Now, the Redskins are reeling again and it’s easy to identify their biggest problem.

For more by Jason Reid, visit washingtonpost.com/reid.