McAllister Carries On

Deuce McAllister did everything but score.

The only constant in the New Orleans Saints’ season, McAllister ran for 100 yards for the ninth consecutive game Sunday in a 24-20 victory over the Washington Redskins.

“You know he’s going to get five yards a pop,” cornerback Ashley Ambrose said. “Deuce is a man-child. People don’t realize how strong he is, how fast he is. We’re going to ride him out.”

McAllister accounted for 63% of the Saints’ yards from scrimmage, running for 165 yards in 30 carries and catching four passes for 31 more. His 100-yard game streak ties him for third all-time with Walter Payton and Fred Taylor; Barry Sanders has the record with 14.

“You can think about it after the season,” said McAllister, who has 1,393 yards rushing.

The Saints (6-6) are 0-6 against teams above .500. The Redskins (4-8) have lost three in a row and seven of their last eight, and the defense failed to hold a lead by giving up the go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter for the third consecutive week. Ten Redskin games have been decided by seven points or fewer.

“This is new for a lot of us, trying to win the close ones,” Coach Steve Spurrier said. “We’re in a bad habit right now.”

Aaron Brooks shook off a knee injury to run for two touchdowns and pass for another, but McAllister handled the ball on 35 of New Orleans’ 67 plays. The decisive points came on Brooks’ 15-yard touchdown pass to Boo Williams with 9:38 remaining.

With Washington quarterback Patrick Ramsey out with a foot injury, Tim Hasselbeck made his first NFL start. He completed 22 of 42 passes for 232 yards, but had an interception, lost a fumble and overthrew on a third down when Laveranues Coles was wide open late in the fourth quarter.