Washington Redskins Keys to the Game: Atlanta Falcons

Washington Redskins Keys to the Game:

1. Control the Clock:

-In week one versus the Saints, the Washington Redskins held the ball for nearly 40 minutes, which proved to be the team’s best defense versus New Orleans high powered offense. The Redskins need to do the same thing this week if they hope to slow down the Atlanta Falcons and all of their offensive weapons.The best way for them to do that is a repeat of their Saints game plan of running the football. Against New Orleans the Redskins ran the ball over 60% of the time, which ate up the clock. They will need a similar number if they hope to keep Matt Ryan off the field as much as possible.

2. Get Pressure on Matt Ryan:

-Now last week Matt Ryan showed that he is talented enough to succeed even when under heavy pressure, which would make you think he minimizes the effect of the pass rush. The opposite is true though as the only times when Ryan actually look human were when he was under pressure. The Falcons offensive line has struggled this season somewhat to keep guys away from their quarterback. The Redskins pass rush has disappeared at times in games, which is something they can’t afford to have happen this time. Ryan Kerrigan has been pretty good getting after the quarterback, but for the most part the rest of the team has been quiet, which needs to change. Stephen Bowen and Chris Wilson especially need to step it up to offer a competent option to Kerrigan.

3. Protect Robert Griffin III–

-The Falcons are going to look to bring some pressure of their own and ensure that Robert Griffin III doesn’t feel comfortable back there. When Griffin has time to throw, he’s absolutely dangerous back there, but when he faces some pressure he’s either forced to scramble or dump the ball off, ending drives. This is what both the Rams and Bengals (especially) were able to do so well, which led to the passing game not being as effective. The Washington Redskins also need to keep minimizing the number of hits that Robert Griffin is taking, to help keep him around for all 16 games.

4. No Special Teams Miscues:

-The Redskins have had major special teams errors in three out of four games this season, and it has cost them. The punting has been better and there hasn’t been a blocked put from the Rams game, but this has to be a concern area. In the return game Brandon Banks may not be able to play, though hopefully that will lead to better decision making in returns. Also that should lessen the chance of a fumble on a return, which has been a major issue for Brandon Banks. Sure their cahnces of a big return may have gone down slightly, but that is a small price to pay if it avoids any really poor returns/fumbles. Lastly kicker Billy Cundiff needs a big redemption game. Yes it could be poor weather conditions on Sunday, but the Redskins can’t afford to miss out on any points to a team like the Falcons. If he’s attempting a field goal he has to connect, if the Redskins have any hope of winning this game.

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