The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.
The Washington Commanders are looking to get to 3-1 in back-to-back seasons with a road win over the Atlanta Falcons. Here are three keys to how they can pull it off.
1. The defense must have a good day.
The Commanders’ patched-up offense ended on a good note last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, but it took them some time for the unit to find its footing. The defense gave them that luxury in Week 3, and they’ll need another solid performance from that side of the ball to win this week.
The Falcons have been a perplexing team to start the season. They have the firepower to be one of the best offenses in football with Kyle Pitts, Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Bijan Robinson, and yet they are tied for 20th in yards per play. They clearly move the ball, as they rank 11th in first downs per game, but they’re also last in average points per play.
The Commanders aren’t focusing on those stats, though, because they know the Falcons are too talented to be stuck in the mud forever. Robinson is sixth in rushing yards this season with the second-most receiving yards for a running back. London doesn’t have eye-catching numbers, but defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. complimented his toughness and willingness to block. At the center of it all is Michael Penix Jr., who only averages 7.3 yards in his depth of target but has one of the strongest arms in the league.
Washington’s defense, while imperfect, has played objectively better compared to last year. They’re stout against the run and have generated 73 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. However, the Falcons will be one of the tougher opponents they’ve seen so far because of the potential from their weapons. Atlanta’s offense has sputtered at times to start the season, and the Commanders must make sure it stays that way.