Redskins.com recaps Sunday's 24-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at FedExField:
First Impressions:
#### Revealing Moment:
The Falcons led 17-14 early in the fourth quarter, but their offense was pinned deep in their own territory. They responded with a touchdown drive that sealed the game. Rookie running back Jerious Norwood took a handoff from Michael Vick and weaved through three blocks. Vernon Fox, who had a chance at a tackle, appeared to slip, allowing Norwood to break into open field. He avoided tackles by Carlos Rogers and Sean Taylor for a 69-yard touchdown run.
Redskins Play of the Game:
#### Redskins Player of the Game:
Ladell Betts turned in a career performance, rushing for 155 yards on 28 carries and one touchdown on an 8-yard run in the first quarter. He ripped off runs of 15, 14, 15, 11 and 14 yards in the game and averaged 5.5 yards per carry.
Redskins Unsung Hero:
#### What Went Wrong
-- Atlanta has had a dominant rushing attack for years. Ranked No. 1 in the NFL this year, it was hoped that the Redskins' defense could at least contain Michael Vick, Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood. Despite falling behind early, the Falcons stayed committed to the run, and they compiled 256 rushing yards, the most in three years against the Redskins' defense.
-- The Redskins' defense did not force any turnovers for the sixth time in the last eight games.
-- The pass defense only yielded 113 yards, but two big plays would haunt them. The first was a 46-yard catch from Michael Vick to Alge Crumpler that set up the Falcons' first touchdown. The second was a 22-yard touchdown pass from Vick to Michael Jenkins, giving Atlanta its first lead midway through the third quarter.
-- Jason Campbell was remarkably efficient in the first half, but in the second half he threw two interceptions. Instead of taking a sack, he tried to throw the ball away and it was tipped and intercepted by defensive end Chauncey Davis. He raced 41 yards the other way to set up a Falcons' go-ahead score.
-- Redskins receivers did not always help Jason Campbell's cause. The young quarterback was 18-of-38 for 217 yards, but he was victimized by several dropped passes.
What Went Right
#### What's Next:
In the third game of their three-game, mid-season homestand, the Redskins host the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 10 at FedExField. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 27-3 in Week 10 at Lincoln Financial Field, but this time they will be without quarterback Donovan McNabb, who is out for the season with a knee injury. Veteran QB Jeff Garcia takes over Philadelphia's offense, as the Eagles try to make a late-season playoff push.
Stats Geek:
#### Quote:
"You have to keep your head up. I guarantee I will fight to the end." -- Jason Campbell
Lasting Impressions:
With four games remaining and playoff hopes a distant memory, it's time to focus in on the future. The Redskins will likely use the rest of the season to evaluate Jason Campbell. Rookie defensive tackles Kedric Golston and Anthony Montgomery saw increased action in the Atlanta game due to injuries to Joe Salave'a and Cornelius Griffin. It should also be time to get a closer evaluation of rookie linebacker Rocky McIntosh, the Redskins' top draft selection last April. McIntosh has impressed on special teams, but he is waiting to see action at weak-side lineabcker. The veterans? They're playing for pride, and they're playing to secure a place on this team next year.
