What We Learned: Falcons vs. Redskins

Execution in all three phases led the Atlanta Falcons to a massive 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins to improve to 4-4 on the season. Here is what we learned.

I tweeted out shortly after the scoreboard hit triple zeros that a statement was made by the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday afternoon. A Falcons team that was 3-4 and suddenly had a slight whiff of the playoff picture made a clear, precise statement on the road about their chances and their resolve.

Now the Atlanta Falcons find themselves in midst of a three game winning streak after going on the road against the gritty Washington Redskins and completely outplay the Redskins to a 38-14 win. A game in which the offense totaled 491 yards, the defense held a top 10 rushing offense to just 79 yards on the ground, and even star receiver Julio Jones found himself in the end zone.

We saw a few things in this game that we normally see from teams who are in “desperation” mode. Aggressive play calling on offense, sound tackling on defense, and even coaching with somewhat reckless abandon are ingredients that teams need when it comes to righting the ship and getting their season back on track. It was not that long ago that this team was 1-4 coming off an ugly loss to Pittsburgh and many were searching for the eject button and completely move on from the 2018 season.

Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

The bye week came at the most opportune time for the Falcons, as the team is clearly dealing with injuries and trying to find their footing especially on the defensive side of the ball. This outing against Washington showed that the team greatly prepared in the brief off time they had during the season. For once, it was the Falcons who threw the most punches. It was the Falcons who showed the necessary toughness to overcome unfavorable circumstances to come out victorious.

Now the Falcons have to develop the mindset to build on a much needed win and to build confidence by the week. Winning games such like this has been more of a hurdle for this team in recent years. Things will not be easy going forward for the Falcons but in this game in particular against the Redskins, the Falcons learned how to face the challenge in front of them and refused to blink.