Return to winning ways, Atlanta Falcons end two-game losing streak with 31-17 win over Washington

November 8, 9:27 PMAtlanta Falcons ExaminerDaniel Cox

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Abraham (55) and Babineaux (95) combine for a sack, (AP Photo/John Amis)

The Washington Redskins players and coaches had a lot to say at halftime of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Much of it had to do with playing like a team that wanted to win.

"A lot of things were said from coaches and players," Washington quarterback Jason Campbell said. "A lot of it was about fighting and not giving up and giving each other a chance to make plays. At halftime, whatever it was, we played like a totally different offense."

In the second half, the Redskins came out and played inspired football, dominating the third quarter (12:45 time of possession to 2:15 for Atlanta), but ultimately it wasn't enough as they fell to the Falcons 31-17.

Atlanta controlled the first half, out-gaining the Redskins 208 yards to 69 and entered halftime with a commanding 24-3 lead.

The Falcons continued their fast start to games, scoring on their first drive. Quarterback Matt Ryan lead a 10 play, 74-yard drive that culminated in a two-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Ryan had another average day but limited his mistakes, kept Atlanta where they wanted to be, and finished 17 of 24 for 135 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a QB rating of 81.1. Despite some recent struggles, Head Coach Mike Smith said he continues to be pleased with Ryan's play, especially his in-game decision making.

"Matt has played very well the entire season," said Smith. "I don’t think you can judge a one game stretch, a two game stretch, or a three game stretch in terms of determining. I think that’s talking points for a lot of folks. ... I don’t think that contention that Matt is not playing well; I don’t believe that at all. I think Matt’s played very, very well.”

In the Falcons' first possession of the second quarter, Ryan operated the no-huddle offense to Smith's liking. It was a five-play drive capped off by a bruising 30-yard touchdown run by running back Michael Turner that gave Atlanta a 21-3 lead.

"I was also pleased to see how the quarterback handled the no-huddle approach," Smith said. "He got us into two runs in the no-huddle situations that were touchdown runs. It was beautiful play calling by Matt in that no-huddle.”

Turner dominated the ground game, marking the second straight game that he has eclipsed the 100-yard mark, signaling that a return to his 2008 form could be occurring. He earned an efficient 166 yards on 18 carries, with two touchdowns.

His second touchdown run, coming early in the fourth quarter, helped put the game out of reach for the Redskins and was vintage running by Turner.

At the beginning of the 58-yard touchdown run, the '08 Pro Bowler leaped a player and broke a tackle before speeding into the open field. He also received some help from receiver Michael Jenkins who took out the speeding cornerback Justin Tryon as Turner cut back and ran into the end zone. Sunday night marked two consecutive games that the explosive Turner has been sighted, running for gains of 30, 37, and 58 over the two contests.

"I was trying to get some explosiveness and spark the team a little bit," said Turner. "We just go out there and make big plays. It was just happening out there. I really can’t explain it."

The offense wasn't the only side of the ball making big plays, however. The defense played its part, especially in the first half, limiting the Redskins ability to move the ball with strong pressure on Washington's quarterback Jason Campbell.

Atlanta's five first half sacks tied a team-record, set on three separate occasions. Defensive end Kroy Biermann and cornerback Chevis Jackson totaled one each and defensive end John Abraham added a 1/2 sack. Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux added the other 2.5 sacks as part of a career day by the five-year veteran. In addition to his sacks, he totaled ten tackles and three tackles for loss. His sack total is a single-game career high.

“Jonathan was a man playing on a mission today," Smith said. He had 10 tackles from the defensive tackle position. ... Babs (Babineaux) just had one heck of a game today. We did some things different, just like each week. When we put our game plan together, our game plan is based on trying to put our guys in the most advantageous positions.”

Newcomer Tye Hill also found himself in an advantageous position in the first quarter to add to the Falcons lead. On a pass intended for tight end Fred Davis, the cornerback caught the bobbled pass and raced it back 62 yards for a touchdown.

But the victory wasn't all Falcons, all the time. The successful third quarter for Washington saw running back Ladell Betts cap a 13-play drive with a one-yard touchdown run. Washington's second possession of the quarter led into the fourth quarter when Campbell found tight end Todd Yoder in the back of the end zone for a three-yard touchdown catch.

Yoder's score ended Washington's attempts at a comeback as Atlanta's defense, following Turner's final score, clamped down on the Redskins ability to rally.

The win ended Atlanta's losing streak at two, bringing them to 5-3 on the season with a NFC South showdown on the road with the 3-5 Carolina Panthers coming next Sunday. While few said it, Sunday's win over the Redskins was virtually a must-win as the Falcons continue to remain in the playoff picture.

"It was really big," center Todd McClure said. "The defense we played today was a good defense. Coming off a short week and trying to prepare was a challenge. We stepped up for the most part and got the job done. We got our running game going, which is big. You know, it’s going to be important for us down the stretch to get Turner going. I think we’re headed in the right direction."

Game Notes: Tight end Tony Gonzalez was Atlanta's leading receiver with five catches for 41 yards. Receiver Roddy White finished with three receptions for 27 yards. Return man Eric Weems averaged 24.8 yards per return in four kickoff returns. Linebacker Mike Peterson finished the day with eight tackles, one for a loss, and one quarterback hit. Cornerback Chris Houston led the Falcons with two passes defensed.

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