The Falcons may have let their 4-0 start get to their heads. After three fourth quarter comebacks and a blowout victory over Houston, Atlanta came out flat against Washington on Sunday. They only managed to score three points in the first half, but the offense was able to come up with points when they needed them most. A late fourth quarter touchdown was answered by a Washington field goal to send the game to overtime. Washington opened up overtime with the ball, and Kirk Cousins made the mistake he seemingly always makes to cost the Redskins a football game. Under pressure, Cousins sent a floating duck to sideline that was easily intercepted by Robert Alford who took it 59 yards the other way for the game ending touchdown.
The Good
Ryan Schraeder (+5.2)
Andy Levitre (+2.2)
Nathan Stupar (+2.1)
Kroy Bierman (+1.8)
Devonta Freeman (+1.6)
The offensive line continues to be the backbone of this Falcons team. The unit was one of the worst in football last year, but due to some key additions and a new zone blocking scheme, Atlanta’s offensive line has vaulted to one of the best in the NFL. Schraeder took over last year and became one of the best tackles in the league. The success has carried over this season and Schraeder has become one of the best bargains in the NFL.
Levitre was added in a trade just days before the beginning of the season. After a little bit of a slow start, he has performed spectacularly in the last three weeks. Considering the Falcons were able to restructure his contract after the trade, the move to acquire Levitre is looking to be one of the best of the offseason.
Stupar stepped in for the injured Justin Durant and filled the role better than Durant did when healthy. Stupar was one of my favorite under the radar guys coming into the season and could be in for an increased role if he keeps this type of play up.
Freeman took over the game once again. Ryan struggled mightily throughout, so the Falcons relied heavily on Freeman in the second half. He racked up 153 yards on 27 carries and reeled in 7 catches for 44 yards. Freeman has been the biggest breakout star of the 2015 NFL season and owes the offensive line a lot of credit.
The Bad
Matt Ryan (-2.8)
William Moore (-1.5)
There were not a lot of bad individual performances on Sunday. Atlanta dominated the game in every statistical category except the scoreboard. Untimely turnovers and missed field goals allowed Washington to stay in the game.
Ryan had a brutal game by his standards. He finished 25 for 42 for 252 yards and 2 interceptions. He also had a fumble. It was by far the worst game of the season for Ryan, but there is no reason for concern.
Moore had another sub-par game, but the defense as a whole was excellent.