Falcons vs. Redskins: Redskins’ biggest weakness revealed

Dec 15, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) breaks up a two-point conversion pass intended for Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) in the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

What would you consider to be the Redskins’ biggest strength and why?

MB: The Redskins’ biggest strength is the depth on their defensive line. This is by far the strongest unit on the team. They have a true nose tackle in the massive Terrance Knighton to anchor the middle of their 3-4 defense and their defensive ends in Chris Baker and Jason Hatcher are good against the run and can rush the passer.

The Redskins are the number two defense in the NFL against the run and number six overall and the defensive line is a big reason why. On passing downs the Redskins go to a four-man line and move their outside linebackers up as defensive ends. Ryan Kerrigan, Trent Murphy and rookie Preston Smith are all solid pass rushers and they’ll be coming after Matt Ryan.

What would you consider to be the Redskins’ weakness strength and why?

MB: The Redskins’ biggest weakness is their secondary. It’s better than it was last year but it still needs more depth and talent. They will be without both of their top two cornerbacks against the Falcons in DeAngelo Hall and Chris Culliver. They start Dashon Goldson at free safety who I’m sure Falcons fans are familiar with from his days with the Buccaneers and Trenton Robinson starts at strong safety.

Robinson has done an admirable job but he only became the starter when the regular starting strong safety Duke Ihenacho was lost for the season with a fractured wrist. So I’m sure the Falcons will try to take advantage of this with Julio Jones and company. Former Redskin Leonard Hankerson is probably licking his chops as well.

Next: Prediction for the game