Same old problems plague Redskins

ATLANTA | Somehow within striking distance of the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at the Georgia Dome, the old problems resurfaced for the Washington Redskins.

Allowing big plays.

Not protecting the quarterback.

Falling victim to injuries.

The Redskins dug themselves a 21-point hole during an embarrassing first half only to draw within a touchdown with 13:05 remaining.

But Michael Turner’s 58-yard touchdown run and a second injury to Jason Campbell extinguished the Redskins’ hopes as they lost to Atlanta 31-17. It was Washington’s fourth consecutive defeat.

Down 24-3 at halftime with as many offensive yards as penalty yards (69), the Redskins turned in their most impressive quarter-plus of the year.

The Redskins got back in the game with a 13-play, 80-yard drive that consumed the opening 7:50 of the second half and was capped by Ladell Betts’ 1-yard run on fourth-and-goal.

Following an Atlanta three-and-out, the Redskins held the ball for 6:50, traveling 81 yards on 13 plays and drawing within a touchdown on Campbell’s back-of-the-end-zone, 3-yard touchdown pass to Todd Yoder that was upheld after Atlanta’s challenge.

The Redskins played the second half without running back Clinton Portis, who suffered a first-quarter concussion. Campbell also missed a play in the second quarter after hurting his chest on Atlanta’s fifth sack of the half (which tied a franchise record for a first half).

Turner’s run — his second of the game (he earlier went for 33 yards) — made it 31-17 with 11:23 remaining. The brutal day of Redskins safety LaRon Landry concluded with a woefully missed tackle near midfield that allowed Turner to get off to the races.

The Falcons scored on touchdown plays of 2, 62, 33 and 58 yards. Turner rushed 18 times for 166 yards.

Campbell was 15-for-22 for 196 yards.

The 2-6 start is the worst in Dan Snyder’s tenure as owner.

The first half was all about Atlanta scoring and the Redskins melting down.

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