Dumb and dumber Redskins fall to Falcons 31-17

November 9, 11:33 AMWashington Redskins ExaminerMark Newgent

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Michael Turner (AP Photo)

Stow any talk of bright spots or silver linings in the Redskins spirited second-half comeback. No matter how much fight they showed or how hard they played, the bumbling, ineffective team you saw in the first half of thier 31-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, are the 2009 Redskins.

The Redskins beat themselves with dumb play, stupid penalties, and, of course, failing to protect the quarterback. Jason Campbell was sacked five times—in the first half—and left the game twice to injury. Clinton Portis also suffered a concussion.
The Redskins produced as many first half penalty yards as they did net yards gained (69). Albert Haynesworth jumped off-sides twice on the Falcons opening touchdown drive, including on a fourth down that would have forced a field goal attempt. Reed Doughty unbelievably lined up offside on a punt return formation. Then there was LaRon Landry’s sheer stupidity in hitting Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan out of bounds. DeAngleo Hall compounded the stupidity by jawing and shoving with the Falcons bench. Then Haynesworth drew another unnecessary roughness penalty for shoving the whole scrum. (see video below).

Despite the mighty assist the Redskins provided to Atlanta’s 24-3 first half lead, the Redskins did put up a fight in the second half. Led by Jason Campbell, Ladell Betts, and Rock Cartwright the offensive line found a shred of pride to put together two touchdown drives to cut Atlanta’s lead to 24-17 at the start of the fourth quarter. Apparently Betts found the “step” Portis lost by not playing in the preseason. He hit holes much faster than Portis and provided a burst the running game has lacked for eight games.

However, Atlanta running back Michael Turner snuffed out the comeback with help from Messrs Landry and Hall. On first and ten from the Atlanta 42-yard line Michael Turner went left tackle for 58-yard touchdown run punctuated by Landry lamely diving at Turner’s feet and Hall meekly grasping for his jersey. “Turner the Burner” torched the Redskins defense for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Once again, see the incriminating video evidence below.

Turnstile pass protection, stupid penalties, poor tackling: broken record we will have to endure for eight more weeks.  Get ready for 2-14.