5 crucial storylines to watch during the Commanders at Falcons in Week 6

What crucial factors are worth monitoring when the Washington Commanders take on the Atlanta Falcons in a must-win Week 6 matchup?

The Washington Commanders play the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday in what could be an early crossroads game for both franchises. The NFC South outfit has been very shaky for the past three weeks, but still finds itself just a half-game out of first place in a suspect division.

The Commanders, as we all know, are trying to rebound from a dispiriting loss to the previously winless Chicago Bears. They have lost three contests in a row, and a fourth would put the remainder of the season in great jeopardy.

Here are five storylines to follow during the game that could have a major impact on whether Washington emerges with a victory.

Commanders sacks (on both sides)

This one is pretty simple.

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell is on pace to break David Carr’s record for sacks in a season. Whether you blame the scheme, the blocking, or the former fifth-round selection's pocket awareness - and for the record, I blame all three - it doesn’t really matter. He is getting killed back there and it is significantly hindering a potentially explosive offense. 

The Atlanta Falcons have a total of five sacks on the season. For comparison, Montez Sweat has 4.5 by himself. Therefore, this represents a good opportunity for the Commanders' protection to finally put together a good performance and keep Howell upright.