Redskins Make the Most of Their Opportunities : NFC: Washington defense scores twice to frustrate Rypien and Rams, 35-23.

The Washington Redskins looked a lot like the early-season St. Louis Rams.

Tom Carter and Tony Woods scored defensive touchdowns in a 35-23 victory Sunday that all but killed the Rams’ playoff hopes.

Four touchdowns by the Rams’ defense keyed their 4-0 start. This time mistakes overshadowed the second consecutive 300-yard passing game from Mark Rypien, who was 34 for 50 for 347 yards, and negated the Rams’ advantage in total yards, 434-254.

Entering the game, the Redskins’ defense had scored only one touchdown. Washington (5-10) won for only the second time in seven games, although the other victory in that span was over Dallas.

“I thought our defense gave up a lot of yards, but really competed and made the plays,” Redskin Coach Norv Turner said. “Someone has to step up and make a play and we did it today.”

The Rams (7-8) have lost eight of their last 11, the last four setbacks by a combined 152-69. This one hurt the most, because Atlanta lost to Carolina, which potentially would have created a big postseason opening for the Rams. Now they’re a decided longshot, needing a victory over Miami in the final and lots of help to qualify.

“To blow it here against that team, a 4-10 team that’s not going anywhere, is baffling,” Ram defensive tackle D’Marco Farr said. “We had a perfect opportunity.”

Ram Coach Rich Brooks said it was the low point of his rookie season in the NFL.

“I’m sick,” Brooks said. “I don’t know what team we are.”

The Redskins erased an early 10-0 deficit with 28 consecutive points before the Rams, going with a no-huddle offense, made it interesting with two fourth-quarter scores in a span of 2:40 that cut the gap to 28-23.

The rally ended when Todd Kinchen caught a short pass at the Ram 10, then was separated from the ball by Marvcus Patton, who had 15 solo tackles and forced two fumbles. It bounced right into the arms of defensive end Tony Woods at the three and he took a few steps into the end zone.

“The ball hopped right into my arms,” Woods said. “I made a U-turn and ran right into the end zone. I’m keeping the ball, it’s right here in my locker.”

Brooks ripped Kinchen for carrying the ball loosely so near the end zone.

“The last thing you need to do, the very last thing, is to take a chance with the football,” Brooks said.

Carter scored his first career touchdown with 5:34 left in the first half when he stepped in front of Isaac Bruce at the Redskins’ 49, picked off a pass by Rypien and outran Rypien to the end zone to put Washington in front to stay at 14-10.

“It was a poor decision and a poor throw,” said Rypien, who led the Redskins to the 1991 NFL title. “Throw the ball late in the flat in this league, and good things don’t usually happen.”