Redskins Making a Run Again

Of all the injuries that wrecked their impressive start, none affected the Washington Redskins more than losing tailback Terry Allen.

Without him, their offense sputtered for two weeks. With him back Sunday, they put together what Coach Norv Turner called their best game of the season.

Allen returned from a knee sprain to gain 125 yards in 20 carries, and the Redskins, scoring on their first three possessions, jumped to a 24-0 halftime lead and routed the woeful Chicago Bears, 31-8.

“It’s obvious, I hope, and it certainly is to me that when Terry Allen’s in the game, we’re a different football team,” Turner said. “We need to keep him healthy down the stretch. The last two games we felt we should have gone out and scored on the first drive. This game we go out and score on the first drive and no question there’s confidence.”

Allen, who rushed for 1,353 yards and 21 touchdowns last season, shrugged off his performance.

“I’m just a piece of the puzzle,” Allen said. “They have to play with or without me. When you’re out for two weeks, you’re hungry.”

The Redskins’ 24 first-half points matched their most points for any game during the first two months as they moved at ease against the Bears (1-8).

The Redskins (5-4), averaging only 95 yards rushing in their first eight games, had 98 in the first quarter. On their first three possessions, they moved 76, 55 and 80 yards for touchdowns.

“It was fun. Guys got open and I put it in the right spots,” said Frerotte, who had struggled in losses to the Oilers and Ravens. “It was a comfortable feeling today. I don’t know what it was.”

Frerotte was 14 for 20 for 192 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a one-yard sneak for a touchdown.