The Redskins aim to come up with their first victory over the Atlanta Falcons since 2003 in Week 9 at FedExField in Landover, Md.
Atlanta Key Additions: Signed S Ron Parker, TE Logan Paulsen, CB Justin Bethel
Atlanta Key Subtractions: NT Dontari Poe, DE Adrian Clayborn, WR Taylor Gabriel, DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw, WR/KR Andre Roberts
The Falcons have given problems to the Redskins over the last 15 years, with Washington only able to come up with one win in six games during that stretch. Coming off a 2017 Super Bowl appearance and another trip to the playoffs in 2017, a win over the Falcons could a season-changing game for the Redskins as they look to get back to postseason action.
While Atlanta did not make very many moves during the offseason, their goal was to bring in quality pieces that could compliment their star players. The Falcons ranked in the top 10 in passing and wide receiver Julio Jones was second in the NFL in receiving yards. However, Atlanta was searching for a receiver who could help take some of the weight off the eight-year veteran's shoulders.
Selecting former Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley with the 26th-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Falcons are hoping that his college success will transfer over to the pro game. Leading all Alabama receivers with 63 receptions for 967 yards, Atlanta drafted the 6-foot-1 receiver hoping that he could be a viable No. 2 or No. 3 option to assist Jones.
The Nov. 4 matchup will also be a homecoming for the newest Atlanta tight end in Logan Paulsen.
Paulsen played his first five seasons with the Redskins and had a career-best in receiving in 2012 with 308 yards. Austin Hooper, meanwhile, has established himself as the No. 1 tight end after 49 receptions for 526 yards last season, but the nine-year veteran could become a solid option to spread things out or provide a spark off the bench.
Having given up the ninth fewest yards per game in the NFL, the Falcons still viewed their defense has having some holes to fill over the last few months. Losing Dontari Poe could be tough to overcome, but rookie defensive tackle Deadrin Senat could potentially sneak up on some people.
In terms of the secondary the addition of Kansas City Chiefs' safety Ron Parker gives the Falcons a player who can improve their pass defense. Parker has combined for 300 tackles in the last four NFL seasons and carries a work ethic that can be appreciated by personnel across the league. Playing at Division II Newberry College, the eight-year veteran had to prove he belonged by playing on three different teams in his first two seasons.
Heading into his fourth season, Dan Quinn has turned the Falcons into a force in the NFC. Despite not making it back to the Super Bowl last season, Atlanta came up with an upset over the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Round and were just yards away from knocking off the eventual Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Even though Week 9 is not a division rival game, the feel that the Falcons will bring to FedExField will make for a potential confidence-boosting victory.
