FLOWERY BRANCH -- The Falcons’ offensive line has shown signs of improvement over three games.
They will be on the hot seat Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1 p.m., Fox) against the Washington Football Team, which has invested four first-round pick along its defensive line.
The Falcons struggled against the Eagles and Bucs and need to show up against another strong defensive front that features defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat and defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and DaRon Payne.
“We’re up for the challenge,” Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews said. “They have a very good front, there is no denying that. It’s going to be a challenge, but we are excited for it.”
The Falcons have given up seven sacks and 22 quarterback hits.
“I like the way we came out (at practice),” Matthews said. “I like our game plan. We’re going to keep building off what we did last week.”
Washington has only six sacks and was blasted by the Bills 43-21 on Sunday. Teams have been throwing short and quick passes to slow the pass rushers.
The Falcons also will try to lean on their rushing attack. The Falcons’ running backs have 61 rushes for 238 yards (3.9 per carry).
“I think we are heading in the right direction,” Matthews said of the running game. “It’s not what we want right now. You want to be a team that’s very balanced and runs the ball well.”
Left guard Jalen Mayfield has made some progress since opening the season against Philadelphia defensive tackles Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave. This will be another interior-line challenge Sunday.
“I feel like there are still a lot of little things that we still have to clean up,” Mayfield said. “Whether that be a block here or the track of the (running) back. I feel like we just one small part away.”
The Bow Tie Chronicles
For more content about The Atlanta Falcons
Follow me on Twitter @DOrlandoAJC
On Facebook at Atlanta Falcons News Now
Atlanta Falcons coverage on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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.
About the Author
