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Washington Redskins Playoffs: Sizing Up The Possible NFC No. 3 Seeds

By Jacob Camenker

Dec 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball as Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis (58) chases in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball as Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis (58) chases in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) hands the ball off to running back Devonta Freeman (24) in the third quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) hands the ball off to running back Devonta Freeman (24) in the third quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons

This would be another tough battle for the Redskins. The Falcons have had one of the best offenses in the NFL during the 2016 season, and the Redskins would have trouble matching up with them.

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Quarterback Matt Ryan has had a lot of protection this season, thanks to an upgraded offensive line featuring star center Alex Mack and solid right tackle Ryan Schraeder. For Ryan, this year has been a bit of a renaissance after a couple of down years. He has been able to utilize his offensive weaponry, namely Julio Jones, and the running game has also been successful. Both Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman have been great in their second season as a backfield tandem.

The Redskins would have a chance to slow down Jones by putting Josh Norman on him. However, the rest of their secondary is in pretty tough shape, so Taylor Gabriel and the rest of the receivers could have an advantage. If rookie hybrid player Su’a Cravens is not back, then the tight ends would be able to have success as well.

However, the Redskins would have a major offensive advantage when they have the football. The Falcons are without their top cornerback, Desmond Trufant, as they lost him for the season in Week 13. The Redskins have the receiving talent to match up well with the Atlanta defensive backs. DeSean Jackson could have a huge day while Pierre Garcon would probably use his frame to take on Robert Alford in some situations. The Atlanta run defense also leaves a lot to be desired.

Overall, this would not be an ideal matchup. We have seen the Redskins get into shootouts this season, and too often their defense cannot get the one critical stop. That would likely happen against the Falcons.

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