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5 bold predictions for Redskins vs. Falcons in NFL Week 9

By Jacob Camenker

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Da'Ron Payne #95 of the Washington Redskins reacts after sacking Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 28, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Da'Ron Payne #95 of the Washington Redskins reacts after sacking Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 28, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 16: Defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne #95 of the Washington Redskins sacks quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets in the first quarter of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 16: Defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne #95 of the Washington Redskins sacks quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets in the first quarter of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

2. Daron Payne logs first multi-sack game of his career

One of the big knocks on Payne coming out of Alabama was his lack of pass rushing production. The big-bodied athlete only had 3.0 career sacks in college, and that led many to be skeptical when the Redskins spent the No. 13 overall pick on him. So far, he has proven the doubters wrong.

It was always clear that Payne had the skills needed to be a great pass rusher. His athleticism was unparalleled compared to any other interior defensive line prospect in the class, and his combination of size and quickness was always going to translate to the NFL level. What was ignored in his evaluation was that he was able to help collapse the pocket and create sack chances for his teammates — all while stuffing the run well too.

But, I digress. The point is that Payne has been one of the better defensive rookies in the league this season, and he has been a force to be reckoned with. He already has 25 tackles and has notched three sacks. And against the Falcons, he should have a chance to produce again.

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The Falcons are lacking talent at the guard positions after losing Andy Levitre and Brandon Fusco to injuries. Washington’s stellar defensive line should have a good chance to challenge the interior of the Falcons offensive line, and Payne will play no small part in that. He will help to attack the gaps between guard and center, and that could give him a chance to easily get into the backfield.

It wouldn’t be a surprise for Payne to see his first multi-sack game of his NFL career. He has three sacks so far, and they have come across three separate games. But the Falcons will likely need to pass a lot, as their run game isn’t great and the ‘Skins have an excellent run defense, and Payne will have a chance to notch some sacks.

If Payne can log a couple of sacks, he’ll do a lot to tack on to what is looking like a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign. No matter what, he’ll continue to prove that selecting him at No. 13 overall was definitely the right move for the Redskins.

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