Despite the fact that only the most optimistic of fans bought the line this week that the Washington Redskins were still nursing the slightest of playoff chances, it was still disappointing to watch the Redskins blow a fourteen-point lead and wither away under the resurgent Falcons, 24-14. Ladell Betts and Santana Moss had the terrific games they needed to have, the defense made some inspiring plays, and no one was bagging on Scott Suisham for missing his only field goal try—he at least got his kickoffs past the twenty-yard line.

The Redskins looked positively fantastic on both sides of the ball during the first quarter. Andre Carter dropped Vick for a nine-yard, drive ending sack on Atlanta’s first possession. The offense responded with a touchdown drive, mainly running the ball with Betts and Duckett, with Campbell adding a 13-yard scramble of his own along with a nice pass play to Brandon Lloyd. On their next drive, more Betts running set up the big pass to Moss, who showed his trademark evasiveness on his way to the endzone. A minute or so into the second quarter, Washington stuffed a Vick sneak on fourth and one.

This was, in short, perfect football. Textbook. You can shoot the game tape of that first quarter into space and teach aliens how to play.

So, what the foxtrot happened?