FLOWERY BRANCH -- Here are three key matchups to watch when the Falcons (1-2) host the Washington Football Team (1-2) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
Washington LDE Chase Young vs. Falcons RT Kaleb McGary: Young was the NFL’s defensive rookie of the year last season and had 7.5 sacks. So, far this season he has no sacks and has nine tackles. McGary has played all 206 offensive snaps this season. He has had one penalty and two sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus. Young has a 68.4 grade for the season and McGary has a 54.7. “I played alongside (Hall of Fame defensive end) Richard Dent, who was one of the all-time greats,” Washington coach Ron Rivera said. “The thing that happened is just, it’s over a period of time, they grow, they get better. They learn to do things the right way.”
Washington WR Terry McLaurin vs. Falcons CB A.J. Terrell: McLaurin has caught 19 passes for 231 yards (12.2 yards per catch) and a touchdown this season. He has 25 targets overall. The former Ohio State standout is quarterback Taylor Heinicke’s top receiver. Terrell missed the last game against the Giants because he was in the NFL’s concussion protocol after an acrobatic pass breakup against Tampa Bay in Week 2. His backup, T.J. Green, was steady Sunday against the Giants and will come in if Terrell gets winded.
Washington RB Antonio Gibson vs. Falcons LB Foye Oluokun: Gibson suffered a shin injury and did not practice Thursday. If he’s not 100 percent, former Falcons 2016 training-camp standout J.D. McKissic will take over more of the carries. Also, Washington hopes to get back Curtis Samuel, who’s a hybrid player who can play running back and wide receiver. Oluokun has taken over at middle linebacker for the Falcons. “He’s really progressing into what we want as a middle linebacker,” Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees said.
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Falcons’ 2021 schedule features trip to London, January trip to Buffalo
Atlanta Falcons Schedule
Washington FT at Falcons, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m.
New York Jets vs. Falcons in London, Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m.
Bye Week
Falcons at Miami Dolphins, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m.
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