Game Preview, Week 4: Washington at Atlanta
October 1, 2021
by Steve Thomas
With the Redskins Washington getting pulverized by the Buffalo Bills last week and falling to 1 – 2 on the season, this contest against the Atlanta Falcons takes on special significance if Washington wants to keep pace with leading teams in the NFC. They’ll have to significantly improve across the board in order to earn a victory over the Falcons, who aren’t a great team but did manage to beat the same New York Giants team that Washington barely squeaked by two weeks ago. The truth is that this appears to be a fairly evenly matched game – certainly Vegas thinks so – which means that Washington will need to be significantly better on both offense and defense than they were up in Buffalo in order to emerge victorious. Our preview begins below.
Game time & location: Sunday, October 3, 2021, 1:00 p.m. ET, Mercedez Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA; Gates open at 11:30 a.m.; Parking lots open at 8:00 a.m.
Television: Fox
Television announcers: Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez, Laura Okmin
TV broadcast map: click here
DC-area radio: The Team 980
Washington radio network: click here
Falcons radio network: click here
Satellite radio: SiriusXM: 225 (Falcons broad.); 383 (Washington broadcast); internet: 831 (Washington broad.)
Redskins roster: click here
Redskins depth chart: click here
Falcons roster: click here
Falcons depth chart: click here
All-time head-to-head record vs Falcons: 15 – 10 – 1 (last 10: 3 – 7; streak: 0 – 6)
Last meeting: L, November 4, 2018, 14 – 38 (last win: September 14, 2003)
Early odds: Atlanta, -.5
3 KEYS TO THE GAME
Non-bad performance by Washington’s defensive line
This has been covered ad nauseum here at The Hog Sty and everywhere else, but at some point, the defensive front four is going to have to start living up to their vaunted reputation if the Redskins Washington is going to have a successful season. My personal opinion is that these four players bought into their own hype this offseason, which has affected their performance. Regardless, much like Washington, the Falcons haven’t been very good this season, so this is a perfect opportunity for the defensive line to have a “get well” game. Fundamentally, Washington’s defense doesn’t work very well without pressure on the quarterback, and with Matt Ryan being a 36 year old statue, they really ought to be able to post a decent game for the first time this year.
The running game must get back on track
Atlanta hasn’t been particularly good against the run this year, giving up 4.5 yards per carry. Washington’s offense always operates more effectively when the run game is successful. This means that the offensive line needs to do a better job opening up running lanes on a more consistent basis than they’ve done so far this year. Antonio Gibson is a much better running back now than he was this time last year. If there was ever a game with “get well” potential for Washington’s rushing attack, it’s probably the Falcons. This is going to be a big key to the game. Keep an eye out of Gibson’s shin injury as we get closer to gameday.
Third down defense
Washington’s third down defense has been absolutely atrocious. They’ve allowed opponents to convert on 58.7% of third down attempts, which amazingly is only 31st in the league, not dead last, behind the even worse Miami Dolphins. The simple fact of the matter is that Washington isn’t going to win any games if they continually allow teams to extend drives.
3 KEY MATCHUPS
William Jackson III vs. Calvin Ridley
Ridley certainly took his time to get to the point at which he was producing at a significant pace, but 2020 was that year for him. Atlanta only has limited offensive weapons, one of which being Ridley, so it will be important for Jackson to perform like a #1 corner and take Ridley out of the game. If he can do that, it’s possible that Atlanta will have a difficult time establishing their passing game. Keep an eye out Jackson’s success.
Terry McLaurin vs. Fabian Moreau and A.J. Terrell
This is a week that Terry McLaurin ought to be able to put up big numbers. Raise your hand if you think Moreau is able to match up with McLaurin . . . I’ll wait. Likewise, Terrell is a pro, but he’s not at McLaurin’s level, either. I expect Atlanta to shade coverage over to McLaurin this week, which will (1) leave more room for Washington’s other receivers, and (2) probably not make a difference. I expect McLaurin to have a big day.
Montez Sweat vs. Jake Matthews
Washington’s starting blind side defensive end needs to get his act together and start making a difference, which hasn’t happened yet this season. Matthews was the sixth overall pick in 2014 and was selected to the 2018 Pro Bowl. He isn’t an elite talent, but he’s a solid pro and will create a matchup that should be fun to watch for fans. Sweat needs to start winning his battles, and there’s no better place to start than Jake Matthews.
OFFICIAL INJURY REPORT (active roster only) (starters in bold)
LP – limited practice FP – full practice DNP – did not practice
NIR – not injury related Q – questionable O – out
D – doubtful NL – not listed
| Washington | Falcons |
| T C. Leno, NIR (rest); Wed: DNP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP | DT M. Davidson, ankle; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP; Fri: DNP; game: O |
| G B. Scherff, chest; Wed: DNP; Thurs: FP; Fri: | WR R. Gage. Ankle; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP; Fri: DNP; game: O |
| CB B. St-Juste, concussion; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP; Fri: DNP; game: O | WR F. Darby, calf; Wed: LP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP |
| DT M. Ioannidis, knee; Wed: LP; Thurs: DNP; Fri: FP; game: Q | G C. Gossett, illness; Wed: LP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP |
| RB A. Gibson, shin; Wed: NL; Thurs: DNP; Fri: LP; game: Q | S E. Harris, back; Wed: LP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP |
| CB A.J. Terrell, concussion; Wed: FP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP |
TEAM STATISTICS
Washington:
Washington’s offense has scored a total of 67 points, which is ranked 20th in the NFL. They have passed for a net of 665 yards, which is ranked 23rd. They have rushed for 291 yards, ranked 21st, and averaged 3.9 yards per rushing attempt, ranked 20th.
Washington’s defense has surrendered 92 points, which is ranked 29th, and have given up a total of 1,296 yards, which is ranked 31st in the NFL. They have 921 net passing yards (ranked 29th), 375 rushing yards (ranked 25th), and 4.2 yards per rushing attempt. They have allowed opponents to convert on 3rd downs at a rate of 58.7%, which is ranked 31st in the league.
Record (2020): 7 – 9 (1st) (Home: 3 – 5; NFC: 5 – 7; NFC East: 4 – 2); 2021: 1 – 2
All-time franchise record: 611 – 614 – 28
Offense (2020)
| Offensive rankings | 25 (points) / 30 (total yards) / 30 (yards per game) / 31 (yards per play) / 25 (passing yards) / 30 (passing yards per att.) / 26 (rushing yards) / 28 (rushing yards per att.) |
| Points for | 335 |
| Yards per game | 317.2 |
| Passing
|
601 att (9th); 389 comp; 64.7% comp per. (21st); 6.3 Y/A; 3465 net yds; 16 TD; 16 Int |
| Passing leader | Smith (252 att (34th), 1582 yds (35th), 66.7% comp perc (114th), 6 TDs / 8 Int, 78.5 QB rating (31st) |
| Receiving leader | McLaurin (1118 yds (13th), 134 tgts (12th), 87 rec (18th), 4 TDs, 12.9 YPC(49th)) |
| Rushing | 400 att (25th); 1611 yds; 4.0 Y/A; 100.7 Y/G (26th); 18 TDs |
| Rushing leader | Gibson (170 att (18th), 795 yds (20th), 11 TDs (9th), 4.7 Y/A (19th), long 40) |
| Sacks surrendered / rank | 50 / 31 |
| Ave time of possession / rank | 29:54 / 18 |
| 3rd down conversion rate / rank | 39.11% / 23 |
| TD percentage in red zone / rank | 57.45% / 20 |
Defense (2020)
| Defensive rankings | 4 (points) / 2 (total yards) / 2 (yards per game surrendered) / 3 (yards per play) / 2 (passing yards) / 3 (passing yards per att.) / 14 (rushing yards) / 11 (rushing yards per att.) |
| Points against | 329 |
| Yards per game surrendered | 304.6 |
| Opponent’s passing | 529 att (4th); 330 comp; 62.4% comp perc. (3rd); 6.4 Y/A; 3068 net yds; 21 TDs; QB Rating 81.4 (3rd) |
| Opponent’s rushing | 428 att (16th); 1805 yds; 4.2 Y/A; 14 TDs; 112.8 Y/G (14th) |
| Sacks / rank / Sack leader | 47 / 6 / Sweat (9.0) |
| Tackles leader | Bostic (118) |
| Int / rank / Int leader | 16 / 6 / Fuller (4) |
| Opponent 3rd down conv rate / rank | 37.5% / 6 |
| Opponent TD percentage in red zone / rank | 53.49% / 4 |
Special Teams (2020)
| Kick returns | 20.8 Y/R (21st), 31 returns, long 46 yards (19th), 0 TDs |
| Punt returns | 5.7 Y/R (27th), 31 returns, long 22 yards (21st), 0 TDs |
| Kick return defense | 26.1 Y/R (27th), 9 returns (2nd), 0 TDs |
| Punt return defense | 5.8 Y/R (5th), 36 returns, 0 TDs |
| Punting | 48.0 Y/P (5th) |
Turnovers (lost by O / recv’d by D / net / rank) (2020): 27 / 23 / -4 / 24
Penalties (total accepted # / rank): 82 / 16 (2020): 87 / 17
Falcons:
The Falcons have scored 48 points, which is ranked 29th in the league, and have gained 904 total yards, ranked 27th. Atlanta has gained 656 net passing yards, ranked 25th, 248 rushing yards (28th), and 3.8 yards per carry (ranked 23rd).
Atlanta has surrendered 94 points, ranked 30th, 1,121 total yards (ranked 19th), 766 net passing yards (ranked 17th), 355 rushing yards (ranked 19th), and 4.5 yards per carry (ranked 24th).
Record: 4 – 12 (4th); Home: 2 – 6; NFC: 2 – 10); 2021: 1 – 2
All-time franchise record: 370 – 475 – 6
Offense (2020)
| Offensive rankings
|
17 (points) / 16 (total yards) / 15 (yards per game) / 19 (yards per play) / 5 (passing yards) / 15 (passing yards per att.) / 27 (rushing yards) / 31 (rushing yards per att.) |
| Points for | 396 |
| Yards per game | 368.4 |
| Passing | 628 att (4th); 408 comp; 65.0% comp per. (20th); 7.4 Y/A; 4363 net yds; 27 TDs; 11 Int |
| Passing leader | Ryan (626 att (1st), 4581 yds (4th), 65.0% comp per. (23rd), 26 TDs / 11 Int, 93.3 QB rating (21st)) |
| Reception leader | Ridley (1374 yds (6th), 143 targets (9th), 90 rec (14th), 9 TDs (14th), 15.3 Y/C (13th) |
| Rushing | 409 att (20th); 1532 yds; 3.7 Y/A; 95.8 Y/G (27th); 13 TDs |
| Rushing leader | Gurley (195 att (12th), 678 yds (28th), 9 TDs (14th), 3.5 Y/A (48th), long 35 yds (58th)) |
| Sacks surrendered / rank | 41 / 22 |
| Ave time of possession / rank | 30:41 / 13 |
| 3rd down conversion rate / rank | 43.89% / 11 |
| TD percentage in red zone / rank | 53.45% / 26 |
Defense (2020)
| Defensive rankings | 19 (points) / 29 (total yards) / 28 (yards per game surrendered) / 30 (yards per play) / 32 (passing yards) / 28 (passing yards per att.) / 6 (rushing yards) / 15 (rushing yards per att.) |
| Points against | 414 |
| Yards per game surrendered | 398.4 |
| Opponent’s passing | 625 att (30th); 425 comp; 68.0% comp per. (26th); 7.9 Y/A; 4697 net yds; 34 TDs; QB rating 101.7 (27th) |
| Opponent’s rushing | 380 att (2nd); 1677 yds; 4.4 Y/A; 15 TDs |
| Sacks / rank / Sack leader | 29 / 10 / Jones (4.5) |
| Tackles leader | Oluokun (117) |
| Int / rank / Int leader | 12 / 17 / Wreh-Wilson (3) |
| Opponent 3rd down conv rate / rank | 41.03% / 16 |
| Opponent TD percentage in red zone / rank | 64.29% / 26 |
Special Teams (2020)
| Kick returns | 20.5 Y/R (25th), 20 returns, long 29 yards (32nd), 0 TDs |
| Punt returns | 8.9 Y/R (17th), 17 returns, long 24 yards (20th), 0 TDs |
| Kick return defense | 23.5 Y/R (1st), 43 returns, 0 TDs |
| Punt return defense | 5.5 Y/R (3rd), 26 returns, 0 TDs |
| Punting | 42.5 Y/P (32nd) |
Turnovers (lost by O / recv’d by D / net / rank) (2020): 18 / 21 / +3 / 15
Penalties (total accepted # / rank) (2020): 83 / 9
* Statistics courtesy of www.pro-football-reference.com, www.nflpenalties.com, www.nfl.com, www.teamrankings.com, www.espn.com, www.sportingcharts.com