At first glance, it doesn’t seem possible that, with the Washington Redskins’ secondary having allowed six passing plays of 40 yards or more this season, they could possibly beat the 4-0 Atlanta Falcons today. It won’t matter that the Redskins have scored an average of 30.8 yards per game (ranked 4th in the league) and 421.8 yards per game (3rd in the league). What matters is that the Washington defense is has allowed as many points as the offense has scored, 30.8, and is ranked 27th in the league. They are 29th in yards given up. That’s not good against an offense in the Atlanta Falcons that ranks third in the league in points (124) and 15th in offensive yards (1461).
Atlanta’s quarterback, Matt Ryan is a shoe-in candidate for the Pro Bowl if things continue going the way they’re going for his offense. He has a rating of 112.1 to Redskins’ quarterback Robert Griffin, III’s 103.2 – neither one of which are too shabby. But Ryan’s weapons are the types that fantasy owners drool over.
Atlanta boasts a wide out duo of Roddy White and Julio Jones and – seemingly ageless – tight end Tony Gonzalez as targets in the air for Ryan. Sure-handed running back Michael Turner, 5’10” and 237 lbs., adds a prolific ground game. In four games, Turner has fumbled once in 55 attempts, gaining 257 yards and averaging 4.7 yards per carry. In 2011, Turner only fumbled three times while rushing for 1,371 yards in his 16 starts.
This is going to be a tough challenge for Washington defensively. Not only are the Redskins already air-defense-challenged what with starting safety Brandon Meriweather (re-injured) and Tanard Jackson (suspended) out. But cornerback DeAngelo Hall fought the flu this week and did not practice on Friday. He was listed as probable on the injury report on Friday and so will likely play but that doesn’t mean he’ll be 100 percent.
There are a couple of things the Redskins must do to have a shot at victory today:
1. Blitz Carefully But Definitely Blitz and Pressure Matt Ryan – This is a scary thought and I will likely light up some comments with this but it’s necessary if the Redskins’ defense wants to contain the Falcons’ offense. They won’t stop them but they can limit the big plays if Ryan doesn’t have all day to set up his passes. The defensive outfield can’t cover long enough for Ryan to be back there writing books… he needs to be rushed. The front seven is talented and strong, even with with Rob Jackson and Chris Wilson filling in for injured Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Orakpo. Blitzes can help make the Falcons one dimensional and the Redskins’ run defense has been more effective than the passing defense.
The Redskins’ defense has been pretty good in the turnover battles with nine fumbles recovered and five interceptions but they have to remove the big play from their opponents’ arsenals.
2. Win the Time of Possession Battle and Play All Sixty Minutes – It goes without saying that, if the Redskins’ offense has the ball, Matt Ryan will not. Washington’s Robert Griffin, III has shown the ability to use the two-minute offense, call plays when required and do it all while keeping his poise. Really… if anyone can unseat the undefeated Atlanta Falcons, it Griffin leading this team with guys like wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Aldrick Robinson, and left tackle Trent Williams back on the field; plus running back Alfred Morris bull-dozing defenses the way he has been. The defense has to win the third down battle with Atlanta so that RGIII can get the ball back. Once encouraging statistic: the Falcons allowed Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton to throw for 215 yards and run for 86. They’ve had a week to plan for Griffin but that doesn’t mean they can stop him.
3. Take Ownership of the Home Field Early – If the Redskins can come up with some points early, the fans will be more into the game when the defense is on the field. It’s pretty cold for this time of year and nasty out. This could make a difference to the Falcons, a team used to playing inside. The Fans who show up at FedEx Field are hard-core. Washington should take advantage of the optimism of these fans and let them help by getting ahead early and letting them be the 12th Man on Washington’s defense.
It’s been well-documented how many straight games have been lost at FedEx Field. This has to stop. The team needs to own the stadium and teams need to return to being worried when they come here to play.
4. Special Teams Must Show Up – When the opportunity to kick a field goal presents itself, kicker Billy Cundiff needs to make the points. By now, Cundiff has been able to work with his holders another week and the special teams’ coverage unit has analyzed the punt protection problems on film more. Field goals should be a given any time the squad sets up for them if they’re under 40 yards. Considering head coach Mike Shanahan’s non-explanation regarding the decision to choose Cundiff over former kicker Graham Gano, his special teams had better start making the minimum required… that’s protecting the punter and making short field goals.
Hail.
At first glance, it doesn’t seem possible that, with the Washington Redskins’ secondary having allowed six passing plays of 40 yards or more this season, they could possibly beat the 4-0 Atlanta Falcons today. It won’t matter that the Redskins have scored an average of 30.8 yards per game (ranked 4th in the league) and 421.8 yards per game (3rd in the league). What matters is that the Washington defense is has allowed as many points as the offense has scored, 30.8, and is ranked 27th in the league. They are 29th in yards given up. That’s not good against an offense in the Atlanta Falcons that ranks third in the league in points (124) and 15th in offensive yards (1461).
Atlanta’s quarterback, Matt Ryan is a shoe-in candidate for the Pro Bowl if things continue going the way they’re going for his offense. He has a rating of 112.1 to Redskins’ quarterback Robert Griffin, III’s 103.2 – neither one of which are too shabby. But Ryan’s weapons are the types that fantasy owners drool over.
Atlanta boasts a wide out duo of Roddy White and Julio Jones and – seemingly ageless – tight end Tony Gonzalez as targets in the air for Ryan. Sure-handed running back Michael Turner, 5’10” and 237 lbs., adds a prolific ground game. In four games, Turner has fumbled once in 55 attempts, gaining 257 yards and averaging 4.7 yards per carry. In 2011, Turner only fumbled three times while rushing for 1,371 yards in his 16 starts.
This is going to be a tough challenge for Washington defensively. Not only are the Redskins already air-defense-challenged what with starting safety Brandon Meriweather (re-injured) and Tanard Jackson (suspended) out. But cornerback DeAngelo Hall fought the flu this week and did not practice on Friday. He was listed as probable on the injury report on Friday and so will likely play but that doesn’t mean he’ll be 100 percent.
There are a couple of things the Redskins must do to have a shot at victory today:
1. Blitz Carefully But Definitely Blitz and Pressure Matt Ryan – This is a scary thought and I will likely light up some comments with this but it’s necessary if the Redskins’ defense wants to contain the Falcons’ offense. They won’t stop them but they can limit the big plays if Ryan doesn’t have all day to set up his passes. The defensive outfield can’t cover long enough for Ryan to be back there writing books… he needs to be rushed. The front seven is talented and strong, even with with Rob Jackson and Chris Wilson filling in for injured Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Orakpo. Blitzes can help make the Falcons one dimensional and the Redskins’ run defense has been more effective than the passing defense.
2. Win the Time of Possession Battle and Play All Sixty Minutes – It goes without saying that, if the Redskins’ offense has the ball, Matt Ryan will not. Washington’s Robert Griffin, III has shown the ability to use the two-minute offense, call plays when required and do it all while keeping his poise. Really… if anyone can unseat the undefeated Atlanta Falcons, it Griffin leading this team with guys like Pierre Garcon and Aldrick Robinson back on the field; and running back Alfred Morris bull-dozing defenses the way he has been. The defense has to win the third down battle with Atlanta so that RGIII can get the ball back. Once encouraging statistic: the Falcons allowed Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton to throw for 215 yards and run for 86. They’ve had a week to plan for Griffin but that doesn’t mean they can stop him.
3. Take Ownership of the Home Field Early – If the Redskins can come up with some points early, the fans will be more into the game when the defense is on the field. It’s pretty cold for this time of year and nasty out. This could make a difference to the Falcons, a team used to playing inside. The Fans who show up at FedEx Field are hard-core. Washington should take advantage of the optimism of these fans and let them help by getting ahead early and letting them be the 12th Man on Washington’s defense.
It’s been well-documented how many straight games have been lost at FedEx Field. This has to stop. The team needs to own the stadium and teams need to return to being worried when they come here to play.
4. Special Teams Must Show Up – When the opportunity to kick a field goal presents itself, kicker Billy Cundiff needs to make the points. By now, Cundiff has been able to work with his holders another week and the special teams’ coverage unit has analyzed the punt protection problems on film more. Field goals should be a given any time the squad sets up for them if they’re under 40 yards. Considering head coach Mike Shanahan’s non-explanation regarding the decision to choose Cundiff over former kicker Graham Gano, his special teams had better start making the minimum required… that’s protecting the punter and making short field goals.
Hail.