Washington Football Team: 3 keys to beating the Falcons

2. Get pressure on Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan was never known for his mobility, but give him time in the pocket and he can pick a defense apart as good as any QB in the NFL.

While Ryan is nearing the end of his career, he’s still capable of doing so. However, he basically embodies a statue in the pocket — even more so during his age-36 season than during his prime years.

In other words, if Washington’s front seven is able to generate some pressure (even if they don’t rack up a lot of sacks), Ryan will crumble. We mean no disrespect to the former MVP, but that’s just the reality of things.

In fairness to Washington’s defensive line, they haven’t been as bad as the stats would suggest this season. They’re tied for second overall in QB pressures (40) and first in hurries (24). While pressures won’t do them any good against Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Russell Wilson, they’ll get the job done against Ryan.

We’re not asking the DL to set the world on fire, but if Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, who’s coming off arguably the best game of his career in Week 3, get busy, Washington should win fairly convincingly.