Redskins Grades

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By David Elfin

RUN OFFENSE B

Clinton Portis left in the first quarter with a concussion after managing just 4 yards on four carries. He didn't return. Backup Ladell Betts had his best day (70 yards on 15 carries) since he filled in for Portis during the final eight games of the 2006 season. Jason Campbell scrambled for two first downs.

PASS OFFENSE B-

Campbell was brutalized in the first half, getting sacked five times. But despite hurting his chest and an ankle, he wound up 15-for-22 for 196 yards and a touchdown and wasn't sacked after halftime. Six players had double-digit gains on catches. Marko Mitchell had his first two career catches, and Todd Yoder scored for the first time in 21 games.

RUN DEFENSE F

Atlanta's Michael Turner is a good back, but 121 yards and two touchdowns on three carries? So what that Turner averaged just 3.0 yards on his other 15 attempts. LaRon Landry and London Fletcher, not the top tackler for a change, were particularly victimized as the Redskins allowed their third run of at least 50 yards this year.

PASS DEFENSE A-

Linebacker Chris Wilson, a converted end, got singled on Hall of Fame lock tight end Tony Gonzalez for an easy touchdown. Other than that, the Redskins played well, keeping dangerous receiver Roddy White in check, sacking Matt Ryan three times (two by rookie Brian Orakpo) and picking him off once (by Rocky McIntosh).

SPECIAL TEAMS B-

Lorenzo Alexander failed to tackle Eric Weems, who took a kickoff return 38 yards before H.B. Blades got him. DeAngelo Hall's punt return was for minus-2 yards. Rock Cartwright was better at running back than on returns. The punt coverage was superb. Shaun Suisham improved to 10-for-10 with a 48-yard field goal. New punter Sam Paulescu did well.

COACHING C-

Jim Zorn criticized the offense's execution in the first half, and center Casey Rabach said the Redskins came out flat. That's inexcusable considering they should have been desperate for a victory after exiting the bye week at 2-5. It shouldn't take a big deficit to wake up the offense. The playcalling and the defense were better after halftime.