The Washington Commanders face the Atlanta Falcons for the third consecutive season in Week 6. Can Washington extend its two-game winning streak over Atlanta?
The Commanders enter the game, having lost three in a row. Surprisingly, Washington’s defense has been the biggest issue, as the Commanders rank 31st in scoring defense.
Atlanta presents another challenge for Washington’s struggling defense. The Falcons lean heavily on the running game but also have some excellent weapons in the passing game.
Is this the week the Commanders rebound on defense?
Here are five Falcons whom Washington will need to control to win Sunday’s game.
QB Desmond Ridder
Desmond Ridder is in a similar position to Commanders QB Sam Howell. A second-year quarterback who entered this season with a solid roster around him and a lot to prove. Unlike Howell, Ridder has a better offensive line and strong running game. Thus far this season, Ridder hasn’t proven to be a big upgrade over Marcus Mariota, but the Falcons hope his performance late in last week’s win over Houston is a sign of things to come.
RB Bijan Robinson
For the third consecutive season, the Falcons spent a top-10 pick on an offensive skill player. Running back Bijan Robinson is the best one yet. With only five career games under his belt, Robinson has shared carries with running back Tyler Allgeier, giving Atlanta one of the best backfield combinations in the league. Robinson is also a dynamic receiver. The Commanders will have their hands full with Robinson.
WR Drake London
It seems like an opposing wide receiver is putting up elite fantasy numbers against the Washington Commanders on a weekly basis. Two weeks ago, it was A.J. Brown; last week, it was D.J. Moore. Will it be Drake London this week? London is another former top-10 pick who has been steady but has yet to have a breakout performance. That’s likely due to Atlanta’s issues at quarterback. London can be a game-changer at wideout but needs the ball. Could Washington be just what London needs for his second-career 100-yard game?
DT Grady Jarrett
It all starts up front for the Falcons with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. For the past eight seasons, Jarrett has quietly been among the NFC’s better defensive tackles. However, Atlanta’s defense has struggled, so Jarrett doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. The Commanders know how good Jarrett is, and he presents a big-time challenge for their offensive line, which has struggled at times.
S Jessie Bates III
It may be early, but it’s fair to say that safety Jessie Bates III has been one of, if not the best, free-agent signing from last offseason. Bates was an impact player in Cincinnati, and he’s carried that over to Atlanta. In five games, Bates is tied for the team lead with 35 tackles, has four passes defended, three interceptions and two forced fumbles. Howell better be aware of where Bates is on every snap because he can change games with his turnovers.
