Atlanta Falcons: Five things we learned in win over Redskins

3) The Falcons’ defense is stingy

Oct 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) celebrates as cornerback Robert Alford (not pictured) returns an interception for a touchdown to win the game in overtime against the Washington Redskins at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 25-19 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Enough can’t be said about this Atlanta Falcons defense. The Falcons entered the game with the fifth best run defense, but where heading into a match up with the team that was leading the NFL in rushing.

The Redskins managed just 51 yards rushing, a season low.

As far as the pass defense goes, the Falcons did a solid job of keeping everything in front of them. The defense allowed just 270 yards of total offense and intercepted Kirk Cousins twice, including the game-winning 59-yard interception return in overtime.

When the defense had their backs against the wall, they answered. The Falcons shut down Cousins and the Redskins late in the fourth quarter after the Ryan interception and held them to a field goal.

The Falcons failed to get a good pass rush for much of the game, but the final play was just enough. A good pass rush led to a Cousins interception to Robert Alford and the rest is history. Alford had two interceptions on the day.