Redskins Reality Checks: Realistic predictions for Week 9 vs. Falcons

2. Reality Is, Atlanta’s offensive line isn’t much better than New York’s.

Football Outsiders ranks the Falcons’ Offensive Line 31st in run blocking and 21st in pass blocking. With their two starting guards on injured reserve, the Falcons are having a season along the offensive line that Redskins fans will find eerily familiar.

The 2017 Redskins worked with a patchwork offensive line throughout the season. Redskins fans know this type of situation comes with its ups and downs. Some games, teams were able to take advantage and dominate in the trenches. Other games, the replacement players stepped up and performed well above expectations.

Let’s hope the Redskins prove to be one of those teams that can expose backup offensive linemen and disrupt both the running and passing attacks of the Falcons.

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Prediction: Betting against Allen, Ioannidis, Payne, Kerrigan, and Smith isn’t something I’m in the business of doing at this point. I think these guys are playing inspired football and there’s no reason to think the Falcons pose a threat to that momentum. The Redskins will notch 3 sacks and hold the Falcons to under 100 yards on the ground.

3. Reality Is, the Redskins need to take advantage of Atlanta’s defense.

Currently ranked 30th in total defense and 30th in scoring defense, the Falcons are a team that will give up big plays, sustained drives, and lots of points. The ‘Skins have struggled to put up points offensively this season, especially in the second half of games. This is a classic clash of weaknesses, with the Redskins’ sputtering offense going up against the Falcons’ porous defense.

Washington should be able to move the ball effectively against the Falcons. They should be able to put up points against the Falcons. They should be aggressive on third and fourth down against a Falcons team giving up 54 percent of third downs and 80 percent of fourth downs.

Prediction: The Redskins will struggle a bit on the ground compared to the last couple of weeks, but will make some strides in the passing attack, with Alex Smith going 22-of-29 for 265 yards and two TDs. Look for continued improvement in quick-game and intermediate passing attack. I expect the Redskins to compile 350-plus yards of total offense on Sunday.