Quarterback Problem Is Threefold for Lions

The quarterback didn’t matter, neither did having Barry Sanders in the backfield. The Redskin defense was ready, leaving the Detroit Lions embarrassed and still winless at Washington.

The Redskins shut down three quarterbacks Sunday, forcing four turnovers to defeat Detroit for the 18th consecutive time, 30-7. Detroit has never won on the road against Washington, losing in all 19 visits since 1938.

The Lions couldn’t end that streak despite Sanders’ eighth consecutive 100-yard rushing game on the road, breaking Marcus Allen’s record. Sanders, who had 105 yards, also became the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards for nine consecutive seasons, and got the 17 yards he needed to overtake Tony Dorsett for third place on the league’s career rushing list.

But James Jenkins caught a touchdown pass and Terry Allen ran for another score--both were set up by pass interference penalties--as Washington (6-4) moved into a tie for first with the New York Giants in the NFC East.

The Lions (4-6) have lost three in a row, putting the team’s playoff hopes in jeopardy.

Starting quarterback Scott Mitchell was ineffective before leaving in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. Frank Reich replaced Mitchell and started 0 for 6, including an interception that led to a Washington touchdown. After Reich was knocked out of the game in the fourth quarter, Matt Blundin came on and, as he was getting hit, threw an interception that Darryl Pounds returned 22 yards for a touchdown.