The Falcoholic
It’s official. The Jayden Daniels-Michael Penix, Jr. firework show will have to wait until the next encounter between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders. On Sunday, it’s going to be the Marcus Mariota show as the Commanders come into Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Even without Daniels under center, Washington enters with one of the league’s most effective ground games, a defense that thrives in man coverage, and enough talent to make life difficult for Atlanta. To get a better sense of what the Falcons are up against, we caught up with Andrew York of Hogs Haven to break down Washington’s strengths, weaknesses, and what it’ll take for Atlanta to pull off the win.
Me: Washington has shown repeated dominance in the ground game. What are the key factors fueling their success?
Andrew York: I think it starts with the rushing threat of the QB (whether Jayden Daniels or Marcus Mariota). Not only do they contribute by rushing themselves (both QBs have combined for 125 rushing yards in the first 3 weeks), but their threat to run causes defenses to pay extra attention to where the ball is going, treating the QB as a 2nd RB and having to maintain eye discipline and pause their rush until they know where the ball is going. In addition to that, the offensive line blocking has been great. OC Kliff Kingsbury ran an effective gap blocking scheme in Arizona, but Run Game Coordinator Anthony Lynn has also brought some of the Shanahan outside zone blocking from the 49ers and this OL seems to be executing it well. Credit there goes to the coaches and players for doing a good job of blocking and opening up holes.
Last but not least, we have to mention our underrated RBs who have made the most of their opportunities. 7th-round rookie RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (he goes by “Bill” Merritt) has looked like the most explosive RB who is always a big-play threat. Journeyman veteran RB Jeremy McNichols is one of the best pass-protecting RBs in the NFL and initially looked to take over 3rd down work after Austin Ekeler tore his achilles, but McNichols has been running hard and angry enough that I think he’ll get more between-the-tackles work as well.
Me: Washington has beaten up on weaker opponents, but behind that lie signs of a stronger team. Based on the first three weeks, do you believe this roster has what it takes to return to the NFC Championship conversation?
Andrew York: Yes, I think so if we continue to iron out mistakes, improve communication, and can stay healthy. That last part is key, because we’ve already sustained several long-term injuries to starters (RB Austin Ekeler with a torn achilles, DE Deatrich Wise with a torn quad, S Will Harris with a broken fibula) as well as shorter-term injuries (most notably to QB Jayden Daniels). Last year one of the under-rated factors to making it to the NFC Championship was being extremely healthy, but our depth is already being...
