The Washington Redskins’ impressive defense faces the Atlanta Falcons’ high-scoring offense in what should be a fun matchup in Week 9.
The Washington Redskins (5-2) are looking for their fourth win in a row on Sunday as they host the Atlanta Falcons (3-4) in an important NFC matchup. It’s a contrast in styles as the Redskins rely on future Hall-of-Fame running back Adrian Peterson and a stout defensive front, while the Falcons have one of the more explosive pass offenses in the NFL.
Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan is fifth in the league in passing yards while receiver Julio Jones is second in receiving yards. Jones, though, has yet to score a touchdown in 2018. He could be in store for a record-breaking day on Sunday as he needs just 134 yards to reach the 10,000-yard mark for his career.
When Jones gets those 134 yards, presumably before the end of the 2018 season, he would become the fastest player in NFL history to reach that mark. It’s the second such time this season the Redskins have faced a player making NFL history and it didn’t go so well for them when Drew Brees broke the NFL record for career passing yards in a New Orleans’ blowout win.
Since that time, Washington has reeled off three consecutive wins. And there is a familiar theme in each victory; run the ball, build a lead and stop the run. It’s worked to perfection but the Falcons are a different kind of opponent and are the most explosive offense the Redskins have faced in 2018.
Atlanta features a solid running back in Tevin Coleman, who has rushed for 310 yards on the season and is also a pass-receiving threat out of the backfield. But the Falcons make their mark in the passing game with Ryan, Jones, rookie Calvin Ridley and Mohamed Sanu. Stopping Atlanta’s receivers will be a challenge for Washington’s cornerbacks, but the good news for the Redskins is Quinton Dunbar should be back this week.
Overall, the Falcons rank No. 7 in total offense, averaging 401 yards per game, while scoring just over 27 points per game. The Redskins, meanwhile, rank No. 25 in total offense, however, they are a +7 in turnover margin and rank No. 3 in time of possession.
Defensively, Atlanta has suffered a lot of crucial injuries and that unit ranks No. 30 in the NFL. The Redskins are No. 4 in total defense and are particularly strong against the run.
TV and Live Stream Info
Date: Sunday, Nov. 4
Start time: 1:00 P.M. EST
Location: Landover, MD.
Stadium: FedEx Field
TV Info: FOX Sports, NFL Sunday Ticket
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket, FuboTV
Atlanta allows opponents to average almost five yards per carry, so this could be another big day for Peterson. The Falcons are even worse against the pass, ranking No. 30 in the NFL. Could this be the day Washington quarterback Alex Smith gets the passing game going? It won’t be easy with third-down back Chris Thompson, star left tackle Trent Williams and slot receiver Jamison Crowder all out with injuries.
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Prediction
This is a huge test for the Redskins. Dunbar should be back and he will be tested. As will rookie seventh-round pick Greg Stroman. Stroman has responded well in each of the last two weeks with Dunbar out. Atlanta will keep the Redskins in nickel for much of the game. For the Redskins to win, they must get pressure on Ryan. If not, it could be a long day for Washington’s secondary. Newcomer Ha Ha Clinton-Dix will make his debut for the Redskins.
Expect Peterson to have another big day and Smith will make a few plays in the passing game and will be just enough for the Redskins to pass a tough test against a good Falcons’ offense.
Final Score: Washington 27, Atlanta 24