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Redskins vs. Falcons: Week 9 top matchups, score prediction

By Ian Cummings

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins congratulates players Kapri Bibbs #46 and Paul Richardson #10 of the Washington Redskins after a touchdown in the first quarter against the New York Giants on October 28,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins congratulates players Kapri Bibbs #46 and Paul Richardson #10 of the Washington Redskins after a touchdown in the first quarter against the New York Giants on October 28,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 21: Free safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with his teammates after recovering a fumble in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 21: Free safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with his teammates after recovering a fumble in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Redskins defense vs. Falcons offense

This should be a fun matchup to watch.

Washington’s defense has been playing at an incredible level over the past few weeks, and the best part is that they still have yet to reach their potential. Quinton Dunbar has been injured. Preston Smith’s upside still feels somewhat untapped, and the team just added former Pro Bowl safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who should mesh well beside All-Pro candidate D.J. Swearinger. The move would also relegate Montae Nicholson back to his outfielder role, where he can shine.

The Redskins’ defense is a borderline elite unit, and with Devonta Freeman on injured reserve, they should be able to uphold their success against the run. But the running game isn’t where Atlanta excels. It’s the passing game.

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Matt Ryan has been a torrid streak ever since Week 2 of this season. On the year, he has, through seven games, a completion percentage of 71.1, 15 touchdowns to only two interceptions, and a total of 2,335 yards through the air. He’s on pace for over 5,000 yards, and he could end up mirroring the stat totals that saw him win MVP in 2016.

There’s a reason for Ryan’s re-emergence, or perhaps three. The wide receiver trio of Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, and Calvin Ridley has few rivals as one of the best in the league, and the contrast between Atlanta’s receiver group and Washington’s receiver group is stark. There is too much talent at quarterback and receiver for the Falcons to feign success. And so, in spite of Steve Sarkisian’s play calling, they have excelled in recent weeks.

That said, the Falcons’ most recent wins have come against the Giants and the Buccaneers, two of the absolute worst pass defenses in the NFL. The Redskins are a different beast. Ever since the Saints’ loss, their defensive backs have played with energy, attitude, and relentless aggression. D.J. Swearinger is all over the field. Josh Norman locked down Odell Beckham last week. Quinton Dunbar is returning soon, and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix will join the fold as an established, versatile starter.

Units have to earn nicknames, even if those nicknames are self-imposed. Through seven weeks, the Redskins’ secondary has earned the ‘Flight Marshals’ moniker, and against the Falcons, they’ll have a chance to prove why they deserve it.

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