For the first time in the Mike Smith and Matt Ryan Era, the Atlanta Falcons have lost back-to-back games. A beating in Dallas two weeks ago tempered previously sky-high expectations, and last week’s narrow defeat to New Orleans all but removed Atlanta from contention for the division title.
But all is not lost in Flowery Branch, not by a long shot. The schedule softens up considerably over the coming weeks, giving the 4-3 Birds a chance to establish themselves as a likely NFC Wild Card team for the second season in a row. It’s the lowly Washington Redskins, a team with a 2-5 record and a coaching staff under fire, who visit the Georgia Dome this Sunday.
FALCONS ON ‘O’ …
Despite having a multitude of weapons on offense, the Falcons haven’t truly impressed on that side of the ball. Perhaps they can get back on track against the floundering ‘Skins, but it won’t be as easy as one might think.
Washington is among the top teams in the league against the pass. Fans surely remember DeAngelo Hall, who has returned to form this season with three interceptions. Carlos Rogers and LaRon Landry join him to form one of the league’s top young secondaries.
Matt Ryan will need to regain his focus and be more accurate when throwing downfield against this unit. Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez have been on their game, but more production is needed from No. 2 wideout Michael Jenkins, who has dropped several passes over the past few games.
Michael Turner finally went off last week, amassing 151 yards and a touchdown. He’ll be looking for more of the same against Washington’s 22nd-ranked run defense. This is the area where Atlanta must attack, and do so often in an effort to tire the Washington defense to open things up in the passing game against a fatigued unit.
The offensive line was opening holes at will for Turner last week. Outside of Albert Haynesworth, the ‘Skins aren’t especially strong on the defensive line. If Justin Blalock can neutralize the former Tennessee Titan, the run game will lead the way offensively.
STOPPING THE ‘SKINS …
Although they may not be the best statistically, Brian VanGorder’s defense was able to hang tough against New Orleans’ prolific attack, and had the upper hand in the second half. If they continue to fly to the ball and make plays like they did last week, they could enjoy total domination against an offense that is a complete mess.
Head coach Jim Zorn is on the hottest of hot seats and he lost play-calling duties after Week 6, only for the team to respond with a miserable effort in Philadelphia the following week. With the bye week allowing them extra time to prepare, expect a desperate Washington team to throw everything it has left, perhaps sprinkling in a trick play or two to keep Atlanta honest.
Chris Houston has been known to get burned down the field, and he and the rest of the corners will have to keep deep threats Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El in front of them.
Meanwhile, a big hit or two from the likes of Mike Peterson or Thomas DeCoud would make Clinton Portis and company think twice before they decide to truly test the front seven.
Kroy Biermann will look to harass Jason Campbell off the edge and continue to make life difficult for Washington’s under-fire signal caller. This would also be a good week for John Abraham to get back on track, as he has struggled all year long.
Photo courtesy of Jimmy Cribb/Atlanta Falcons. Bagriansky can be reached at jbagriansky@scoreatl.com.
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