Atlanta Falcons: Plays that defined the win over Redskins

Oct 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) returns an intercepted pass against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Alford’s big day

The opportunistic defense has been one of the many stories for the Falcons this year, as they continue to find ways to come up with game-changing plays that put the nail in the coffin for their gridiron foes. Robert Alford may have made the play of his career when he took Kirk Cousins to the house to close out the game on Sunday.

Oct 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) returns an interception against the Washington Redskins during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Redskins 25-19 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Some will say that the ball was gift wrapped as Jamison Crowder broke his own ankles in his route that led to a give-me interception by Alford. But Alford was still in the right position on the field that led to this, possibly season-changing play. If you wondered why Alford was a special teams player in college, you saw why on his sprint to the end zone that burned turf of the Dome.

Moments like this have surfaced in most of the games for the Falcons and new heroes have risen weekly. This time, it was Alford who ripped the heart out against the Redskins. Next week, hopefully, he’ll be back for his follow-up act against the Saints. This pick-six will be remembered at the end of the year, marking one of the many highlights that will tell of this team’s journey.

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