Washington Commanders vs. Atlanta Falcons GAMEDAY Preview: Must Win for Ron Rivera?

The Washington Commanders are back on the road hoping to snap a three-game losing streak.

The Washington Commanders face the Atlanta Falcons this afternoon in what could be a season-defining game for the team.

The Commanders need a momentum shift after losing three straight games. Washington has given up whopping 111 points combined in those losses. On the national stage last Thursday night, Washington laid an egg against the previously winless Chicago Bears. Bears quarterback Justin Fields tossed for 282 yards and four touchdowns, connecting with wide receiver D.J. Moore for 230 yards and three scores.

This week, the defense will face the challenge of losing two of their top defensive backs. Coach Ron Rivera announced that Darrick Forrest (shoulder) and Jeremy Reaves (knee) will head to injured reserve.

Washington's defense looks to get after Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder, who is coming off his best game as a pro. The Falcons’ offense clicked against the Texans, finding success to deep-threats Kyle Pitts and Drake London. Ridder finished with 329 passing yards, with a touchdown. He also added a score on the ground. 

The Washington Commanders face off against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

On offense, Quarterback Sam Howell looks to reconnect with Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Unfortunately for Howell, the Commanders' protection has been lacking. Through five games, Howell has been sacked 29 times and is on pace to be sacked almost 100 times this season. He was sacked five times by a Bears defense that only had two heading into Thursday.

This could be considered a 'must win' for the Commanders, as the schedule gets tougher from here... with matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles, twice against the  Dallas Cowboys, the Miami Dolphins, and the San Francisco 49ers still awaiting them.

Entering Week 6, Washington is third in the NFC East division behind the 3-2 Dallas Cowboys and 5-0 Philadelphia Eagles.

RECORDS: Washington Commanders (2-3) at Atlanta Falcons (3-2)

ODDS: Washington is a 2.5-point favorite vs. the Falcons

GAME TIME: Sunday, October 15th, 2023 at 1 p.m. ET

LOCATION: Mercedes Benz Stadium- Atlanta, Georgia

TV/RADIO: CBS, BIG 100.3 FM

THE FINAL WORD: Rivera on his defense:

“Well, I'm a little disappointed, more so than I am surprised," Rivera said. "I just think that some of the things that we have to do is we have to play with a little bit more discipline. We're going to stop trying to do more than we need to and do our jobs...  Are we truly putting them in the best position to make plays? That's the thing that we have to look at and go through the next day.”

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