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Given that Redskins coach Mike Shanahan called it a “must-win,” earlier in the week, the fact his team lost to the Panthers will cause much consternation over a long bye week.

It will also bring an eye toward 2013 and beyond.

Shanahan admitted in his post-game press conference that the Redskins’ goals are in the future, not this season.

“Now you’re playing to see who obviously is going to be on your football team for years to come,” Shanahan said, via the Washington Post. “Now we get a chance to evaluate players and see where we’re at.

“Obviously, we’re not out of it statistically, but now we find out what type of character we’ve got and how guys keep on fighting through the rest of the season.”

Of course, it might also be time to evaluate the coaching too. Shanahan’s a disappointing 14-27 in his third year in charge, a .341 winning percentage that’s lower than the ridiculous Jim Zorn and Steve Spurrier eras (both 12-20, .375).

The fact they just drafted a franchise quarterback probably means Shanahan will have time to continue to work with Robert Griffin III, and his track record indicates that he probably should.

But he works for Daniel Snyder, who hasn’t demonstrated himself to be dedicated to planning for the future.