By Matthew Lee and Bryan Tucker
Washingtonpost.com Correspondents
Web Posted: Sunday, October 4, 1998; 8:34 p.m. EDT

Linebackers Marvcus Patton and Ken Harvey easily had one of their best games of the season statistically, but that doesn't mean they will be sleeping any better tonight after Washington's 31-10 loss to Dallas on Sunday.

"It's hard right now with what's going on and losing the way we are," Patton said. "I have to take a look at the film and take a day to think about it. I'll probably be up again all night like I was all last night last week."

Patton had a team-high 13 tackles and a sack, while Ken Harvey had three tackles and Washington's first fumble recovery of the season. That turnover was converted into Washington's first score of the day, a 40-yard pass from Trent Green to Leslie Shepherd that gave the Redskins a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

However, Washington's much-maligned defense still allowed 387 yards of total offense, including 224 combined yards rushing to Emmitt Smith and Chris Warren.

"We're supposed to stop the run," Harvey said. "It's something we have to keep fighting to get done. We have to figure out a way to get it done. That's part of our job. We shouldn't get mad at anyone but ourselves."

Patton – in his ninth NFL season – has finished either first or second in tackles the past three seasons for Washington. He is also one of the most durable Redskins, playing in 132 consecutive games since he was acquired as an unrestricted free agent in 1995. He leads the team this season with 68 tackles.

Harvey is in his 11th season out of the University of California and was named to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl in 1997. He has led the team in sacks in eight of his nine seasons in Washington. So far this season, he has collected 26 tackles and forced three quarterback hurries.

Harvey fell on Dallas quarterback Jason Garrett's botched snap exchange with center Clay Shiver with 8:18 remaining in the first quarter, helping to stall Dallas's first drive of the game. Harvey was in perfect position for the fumble, covering up the ball that was laying right at his feet.

With five minutes remaining in the third quarter and trailing 24-10, Harvey had a potentially momentum-turning play when he broke through the blocks of left tackle Larry Allen and wide receiver Ernie Mills to tackle Warren for a seven-yard loss on the Dallas 3-yard line on third-and-nine, forcing a Cowboys punt.

Washington's offense, however, failed again to capitalize on good field position on the Cowboys 48-yard line and went three-and-out for the third time in the game.

Patton had two impressive plays Sunday, stalling a Dallas drive late in the second quarter when he tackled Warren behind the line for a seven-yard loss on a pass reception.

The middle linebacker also sacked Garrett on the final play of the third quarter and combined with Dana Stubblefield on the ensuing play to stuff Smith on a one-yard run, forcing another Dallas punt. The offense again failed to score after the Redskins stopped the Cowboys again.

Despite their 0-5 start, Harvey and Patton don't plan on giving up on the season.

"There's still hope," Harvey said. "As long as there's hope and there's still a chance, you keep fighting. It's a test of character. It's a test of will and what kind of person are you? Are you going to give up because things look bad. Are you the type of person that gives up? I'm not, we're not. Regardless of what people say or how much they yell, we're not going to give up. That's the way we're going to play and play to the end."

"I'm going to do whatever I can to get us through this," Patton added. "If you're going to go and quit, you shouldn't be here in the first place. "