The Washington Commanders can lock up a playoff spot this weekend when they host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football. Here are three keys to them getting a primetime win.
1. Contain Bijan Robinson.
There are several talented players on Atlanta’s offense, from Drake London to Kyle Pitts and Darnell Mooney, but Bijan Robinson could be the most problematic for the Commanders on Sunday.
Though the Commanders’ run defense has improved since in the second half of the season, it suffered a setback of sorts against Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley, who leads the NFL in rushing yards, had 150 yards on 29 carries and led a 211-yard day from the Eagles’ offense.
Of course, that does require some context. While Barkley was exceptional in the first quarter with 109 yards, he wasn’t for the rest of the game. He had 41 yards for the rest of the game following his 68-yard touchdown. Still, the Commanders have given up the fourth most rushing yards per game this season, so it’s still considered a weak spot for the unit.
The Commanders will need more of the latter performance against Robinson, who has 1,196 yards and 10 touchdowns on 259 carries. He was one of the main driving forces behind the Falcons blowing out the New York Giants with two scores. He has the second-highest offensive for his position from Pro Football Focus and the seventh-most yards after contact.
If the Commanders want to make Michael Penix Jr.’s second start a miserable affair (more on that in a bit), taking away the biggest factor in the Falcons’ run game would be one of the best ways to do so.