The Falcons get a well-needed statement win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Coming off the bye week, the Falcons looked to continue their hopes of getting back into the playoff picture. They dominate the Redskins who are at the top of the NFC East and improve to 4-4. The Falcons get their third straight win, 38-14.
DEFENSE
The defense, which has been the Achilles heel of the Falcons all season long, played better than most expected. They held the Redskins to 35 first quarter yards and seven first half points. There were still many missed tackles and missed interceptions opportunities but that is nothing new to this injury ridden defense. They allowed the Redskin offense get a fourth down conversion which set up their touchdown towards the end of the third quarter. Luckily, Damontae Kazee helped close out the game and stop the Redskin’s comeback by getting his fourth interception on the season with only seven minutes left in the game.
JULIO JONES
The biggest story surrounding the Falcons offense was the question of why Julio Jones was in the 9th week of the season without a touchdown catch. When asked about it in the MNF post interview, Jones expressed how he is more focused on his team wining rather than the amount touchdown receptions he gets. In a game where the offense was clicking, it seemed inevitable that Matt Ryan would be able to give Jones the touchdown everyone was waiting for. Jones gets a 35-yard catch-and-run and completes his first touchdown of the season. Jones also led the offense with seven receptions for 121 yards.
OFFENSE
The offense ran the ball very effective against the Redskin’s defense. Their defense, prior to this game, only allowed an average of 80 yards per game. Tevin Coleman and Ito Smith ran for 148 yards collectively. Coleman had a huge game not only in the rushing but also in receiving. He caught for 68 yards and made 2 out of the 5 touchdowns in the game. The offense as a whole was a good as they have been all year. Ryan completed 26 of 39 passes for 350 yards but he did have his third interception of the season. The Falcons offense did their part by not having to punt until the middle of the third quarter.
TAKEAWAY
The Falcons for the first time in the season win a game comfortably. Improving to .500 after a disappointing 1-4 start, is an impressive turn of events for them. Though the Falcons have to compete with 2 of the best teams in the NFL in their division, they still have games ahead of them that can solidify a spot in the playoffs. The Falcons look to continue their win streak at the Cleveland Browns on November 11th.
