Falcons Hope to go 5-0

The Atlanta Falcons get set to face the Washington Redskins at 1 p.m. today, looking to set a new team record. If the Falcons can win this game, they will be 5-0, the best start in franchise history. They currently are one of two teams still undefeated, along with the Houston Texans, who face the New York Jets on Monday night.
The Falcons are coming off of a come-from-behind thriller against the Carolina Panthers, getting a field-goal with less than ten seconds left to win 30-28. Matt Ryan, Roddy White and Michael Turner all had terrific games to lead the Falcons to another win. There are a few things that the Falcons need to improve on to be able to pull out another win against the 'Skins.
First, they had a rough time containing Panthers quarterback Cam Newton last week, and it won't be any easier this week with Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III running around. He has already set a Washington record for most rushing yards for a quarterback with 234, and he has four rushing touchdowns too. Don't forget, he can also throw the ball really well. The Falcons need defensive ends John Abraham and Ray Edwards to step up and get sacks, and linebackers Sean Weatherspoon and Stephen Nicholas to stop him when he runs.
Second, the offensive line needs to step-up and protect Matt Ryan. Ryan was sacked a career-high seven times last week as the line failed to protect him throughout most of the game. Ryan, who was just named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September, will have another big game if the line can do their job and protect their quarterback.
And finally, two offensive players need to step-up and have good games. The Falcons need another big game from Michael Turner. Turner rushed over 100 yards for the first time this year last week. It wouldn't hurt if he could do that again today and take a little pressure off of Ryan and the receivers. Mentioning receivers, Julio Jones is the other player that needs to produce in today's game. Jones had six catches for 108 yards in the first game against the Kansas City Chiefs this year. In the three games since, he only has ten receptions for 111 yards. Jones needs to find his old form and become the playmaker the Falcons have envisioned him being. Also, it would help to take pressure off of Roddy White.
If the Falcons can execute these three things today, along with continuing their high-level of play in other areas of the game, they will win. This is one of the best Falcons' teams in years, 5-0 should be no problem.

Julio Jones, catching his only pass against the Panthers, needs to have a good game today to help the Falcons to a win.
Photo Courtesy of news.yahoo.com