Atlanta Falcons vs. Redskins: Final Thoughts
You can find the full Falcons-Redskins coverage here.
Before the start of the season, how many of us thought the Atlanta Falcons would enter the Week 5 game with the Redskins with an opportunity to go 5-0 for only the second time in franchise history?
Well here we are, and there is plenty of excitement among Falcons fans. Can they pull it off? Here are my final thoughts.
The Falcons win if they run the ball, stop the run
It’s a simple formula teams try to adhere to week in week out, but it couldn’t be more true this week for the Falcons. The Redskins own the No. 1 run defense and No. 2 run offense, so the key to winning is to stop the run and run the ball well.
The Falcons can afford to stack the box and invite Kirk Cousins to throw. He will be without two of his favorite targets in DeSean Jackson and Jordan Reed, so bring those guys up and bottle up the run.
On the ground, the offensive line will need to continue it’s high level of play and create some running lanes for the red hot Devonta Freeman and returning rookie Tevin Coleman. Both backs will need to react well and take advantage of any lanes opened up for them. Can Freeman have another huge game?
Take nothing for granted
You’re 4-0, at home and playing the Redskins. But make no mistake, play sluggishly and this Washington team is good enough to make you pay. The Falcons are led by Dan Quinn, so there’s no chance of this team not being fired up.
He wants every game to be treated as a championship game, and so far this season that energy has translated onto the football field. This is a huge game for Atlanta. A chance to take a one game lead over Carolina is at stake, and the Panthers’ next game is in Seattle.
Fired up Hankerson
A player to watch today is Leonard Hankerson. First, he’s up against the team that let him go. Julio Jones isn’t 100 percent, either, so Hankerson’s role could increase.
He’s proven himself to be an excellent complement to Jones in the passing game, and he could have a big day similar to that of Andre Johnson on Thursday night against the Texans.
Stay right here at Blogging Dirty today, as we will be opening up the live thread again during the game, and there will be plenty of post-game analysis right here.