LANDOVER, Md., Dec. 22 (UPI) -- David Carr was sacked three times and Houston allowed both rookie Ladell Betts and Kenny Watson to run for more than 100 yards Sunday as the Washington Redskins rolled over the Texans, 26-10.
Bruce Smith had two of the sacks for the Redskins (6-9), who snapped a three-game losing streak and won for just the second time in seven games.
Carr, the top pick in April's draft, has been sacked 73 times this season, breaking the NFL record set by Randall Cunningham of Philadelphia in 1986.
"I was trying to break some NFL record when I came into the league, just not that one," Carr said. "We struggled early and had some high sack totals. We've been getting better but it's almost like this was meant to happen."
The Texans turned the ball over three times and did little offensively, scoring their only touchdown when Kevin Williams recovered a blocked punt in the end zone in the fourth quarter that cut the Redskins' lead to 23-10.
Carr completed 12 of 31 passes for 112 yards.
Houston also handed Washington two points on a safety when tight end Billy Miller was called for holding in the end zone in the second quarter.
"You can't go out and make critical turnovers and penalties and expect to win a game," Houston Coach Dom Capers said. "We're not a team that is able to come from behind when we make those mistakes."
Houston (4-11) had its share of troubles on defense as well with Betts carrying 20 times 20 times for 116 yards, including a three-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that increased the lead to 23-3.
Watson, who rotated with Betts, carried 20 times for 110 yards.
"Ladell is a good hard running back. He and Kenny pick up their feet and run hard," Redskins coach Steve Spurrier said. "It's good to see those guys break some tackles and keep their legs working."
"The offensive line opened some big holes," Watson said. "All I had to do was take the ball and go."
Patrick Ramsey, like Carr a first-round pick in April, completed 14 of 32 passes for 190 yards and two scores. He threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Derrius Thompson with 69 seconds left in the first half to give Washington a 16-3 halftime lead.
The Redskins exploded for three big plays in succession late in the first quarter to take a 7-3 lead. Betts ran for 23 yards and Ramsey completed a 28-yard pass to Thompson before Rock Cartwright caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Ramsey on the next play.
Houston led briefly on a 46-yard field goal by Kris Brown in the first quarter.
The Redskins close their first season under Steve Spurrier next week at home against Dallas. Houston will host AFC South champion Tennessee.
