The Falcons could not hold onto their 21-10 halftime lead in icy Green Bay on Sunday and were held scoreless in the second half for the third time this season. The Packers rallied behind rookie running back Eddie Lacy and backup quarterback Matt Flynn to grab the 22- 21 win. Atlanta’s defense ranks last in the NFL in third-down defense and the Packers’ 7-of-15 conversion ratio on third downs gave Green Bay an overwhelming advantage.
Roddy White led the receiving corps for the second straight week with eight catches for 74 yards and Tony Gonzalez and Drew Davis hauled in Matt Ryan touchdown passes.
TACKLING MACHINE …
Atlanta’s rookie linebacker Paul Worrilow turned in another incredible performance with his 12 total tackles. Worrilow is averaging 14 tackles per game the last six contests and included 1.5 sacks in the loss to Green Bay. The highlight of the Packers game came from a deflected pass off of Worrilow foot that landed in the arms of an alert Sean Weatherspoon. Weatherspoon secured the ball and rumbled his way in for a 71-yard touchdown, the first of his pro bowl career.
THE SKINS …
Last season the Falcons visited the Red- skins and rallied to a 24-17 victory that marked Atlanta’s first 5-0 start in franchise history. Matt Ryan threw for 345 yards and two touchdowns and Tony Gonzalez caught 13 catches for 123 yards and a touchdown. Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III was knocked out of the game when Weatherspoon’s forceful tackle gave the rookie a mild concussion.
This season, it is the Redskins who will send Griffin III to sidelines, as Kirk Cousins will get the start over the struggling quarterback. 2013 has been a setback for the Redskins, especially on the road where they are 1-5. A 24-17 Week 13 loss to the New York Giants officially eliminated Redskins from the playoff picture and shifted focus to resuscitating the franchise before next season.
Washington is still creating success on the ground and its 143.8 rushing yards per game rank them No. 2 in the NFL. Atlanta is No. 30 in stopping the run and allow an average 133.6 yards per game. Perry Riley, London Fletcher and former Falcon DeAngelo Hall at cornerback lead the defensive side of the foot- ball. Hall has three of Washington’s 12 inter- ceptions this season.
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