Redskins vs. Falcons: Week 9 top matchups, score prediction
By Ian Cummings
Redskins offense vs. Falcons defense
This is where the Redskins could win or lose the game. The Falcons’ defense isn’t particularly scary, especially after season-ending injuries sustained by starters such as Keanu Neal, Deion Jones, and Ricardo Allen. If there’s any game in which Washington’s passing offense can exploit a defense, it’s this one. And that might be the problem.
So far this season, Alex Smith has failed to get the most out of his offensive weapons. The talent is there; Josh Doctson has seemingly found a niche in recent weeks, Paul Richardson has the speed to make an impact both after the catch and down the field, and the tight end duo of Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis makes for exciting possibilities.
An attempt has been made to give the Redskins’ playmakers opportunities, and in recent weeks, the offensive line has improved, from a pass blocking standpoint, giving Alex Smith more time to process. In the end, it all comes down to Smith, and he needs to be better.
Sunday is a prime opportunity for Smith to elevate his game. The Falcons have some threats on defense; Grady Jarrett is a top-tier defensive tackle, and rookie USF product Deadrin Senat has played well next to him. Damontae Kazee has also played at a high level, notching three interceptions in the Falcons’ secondary, but aside from him, the Falcons are seriously lacking in the latter two levels.
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De’Vondre Campbell and Duke Riley have been liabilities at linebacker for Atlanta this year, and Desmond Trufant has not been the same steady force in coverage, allowing two touchdowns and a passer rating above 100.0 thus far. Pressure hasn’t been a consistent commodity from Vic Beasley, who was the NFL’s sack leader in 2016, and tackling has also been a major concern. Per Pro Football Focus, the Falcons, as a team, have the third worst tackling rating in the league (Redskins have the ninth-best rating in tackling).
The Falcons are depleted in the second and third levels. Thus, their strength is their front, and their run defense, but even there, they aren’t deep (Terrell McClain is their top backup. Come on). That said, although Adrian Peterson has been consistent for the Redskins, he could have trouble on Sunday with Jarrett and Senat. If there was ever a game where Alex Smith might be needed, and might have an opportunity to improve on his current play, the Falcons game is it.