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Redskins vs. Falcons: 5 players to watch in Week 9

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Tight end Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins reacts after scoring a four-yard touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Tight end Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins reacts after scoring a four-yard touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 08: Cameron Meredith #81 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by Quinton Dunbar #23 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 8, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 08: Cameron Meredith #81 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by Quinton Dunbar #23 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 8, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Dunbar has missed the past couple of outings for the Redskins as he dealt with a shin injury. However, it seems that he’s close to returning and may be able to get back on the field against the Falcons. And that will be excellent news for the Redskins if he is.

The Falcons have one of the better receiver groups in the NFL, as Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Mohamed Sanu are very difficult to cover when all are on the field. Having Dunbar back will at least give Washington a chance to potentially neutralize some of them and limit the damage that they all are doing.

It’s unclear if Dunbar would shadow Jones, cover Ridley, or just stay on one side of the field. It really depends on what Greg Manusky thinks of the matchups and how healthy Dunbar is. But either way, he’s one of the better cover men on the ‘Skins squad, so having him back should help.

Of course, it will also be important to see just how healthy Dunbar is. This shin/hamstring problem need not turn into a long-term issue, so if he comes on the field and doesn’t quite look 100 percent, it may be best for the ‘Skins to consider either limiting his snaps or giving him some extra rest. Conversely, if he looks good, the defense will have all of their top players on the field at once, which is always a good thing.

Dunbar is a key cog to what could be a stellar Washington defense. Getting him back could put them over the top and truly make them a top-five unit the rest of the season, a direction that they were already trending in.

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