Turner, Falcons Run Roughshod Over Redskins, Snap Two-Game Skid

November 8, 2009 9:01 p.m. EST

Atlanta, GA (AHN) - After suffering two-straight loses away from the Georgia Dome, the road weary Falcons returned to their nest for some good old-fashioned southern hospitality.

Atlanta's fans welcomed its team back with open arms and the squad feasted on the home cooking by defeating the Washington Redskins 31-17.

Running back Michael Turner was the star of the day and the difference maker,  as he posted 166 yards on 18 carries with two touchdowns.

Sunday's eye-popping stats by Turner marked the second consecutive week he crossed the century mark for rushing in a game. This was the first time he's achieved this feat since November 2008.

"I just tried to be explosive and spark the team," said Turner. Once you get into a rhythm, it's hard to be stopped. We want to improve every week. Hopefully we can put something together."

The Falcons scored on their opening possession and never trailed to upgrade their record to 5-3. Atlanta took the ball from the coin toss and marched downfield on a 10-play 74-yard drive that was capped off by a two-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan to Tony Gonzalez.

Later in the quarter, it was the defense that joined in on the scoring jamboree.

Defensive back Tye Hill snatched a pass from Redskins' quarterback Jason Campbell and took it back 62 yards for a touchdown, giving the Falcons a 14-0 lead.

In the second quarter, Washington would put a small dent on the scoreboard with a 48-yard field goal.

However, Atlanta quickly responded on its ensuing possession following a 30-yard touchdown sprint off the left side by Turner. This run put the Falcons up 21-3, a lead they would take to the locker room at the half.

For a brief stint after the intermission, it appeared as if the roles of both teams had changed as Washington became the aggressor, while Atlanta appeared to playing on its heels.

The often stagnant Redskins offense opened the third quarter with perhaps their best drive of the season with a blend quick-strike passes and runs. Washington's drive was completed with a Ladell Betts one-yard plunge up the middle on fourth-and-goal, cutting the deficit to 24-10.

Washington began the fourth quarter in the same fashion as the third, but this time the scoring connection came courtesy of a three-yard pass from Campbell to Todd Yorder and the Redskins trailed 24-17.

This latest score appeared to suck the life out of the building and the Falcons' sideline.

However, Turner provided a much need dose of oxygen as he blew past the entire defense for a 58-yard touchdown scamper to put the game out of reach.

"Our staff talks about being resilient and playing for 60 minutes and that's what we did today," said Atlanta head coach Mike Smith. "I'm proud to see we were able to run the ball well today. Michael (Turner) ran extremely hard today (Sunday). I'm proud of the way the guys played."

Atlanta hits the road next week for a showdown with division rival Carolina. Washington returns home and will host Denver.