UKHTTC pre-game blog: the Falcons swoop in to Washington

An extraordinary regular season for the Washington Commanders is almost at an end.

And, if the team can register a win on Sunday Night Football vs the Atlanta Falcons, then a play-off spot is secured. It sure would be nice to head into the Dallas trip with business already sorted, but the burgundy & gold roster does enter SNF with a flurry of injuries.

Most notable is the absence of CB Marshon Lattimore who continues to struggle with a hamstring issue. The jury has to be out on whether that trade was worth it; the best ability is availability and all that jazz, but at least Marson is not (yet) on IR. A shared snap combination of Benjamin St Juste and veteran Michael Davis does not inspire confidence against a WR of decent ability such as Drake London

Right Tackle, Andrew Wylie, also misses out and does WR Dyami Brown.

It is hoped that DT Jon Allen will return to boost an interior unit that has been playing pretty well just lately. If Allen does return it might not necessarily equate to a starting spot and Jon might be rotational along with the likes of Sheldon Day who has been a great pick-up by the Commanders. I would expect Johnny Newton to start with Daron Payne.

Washington will certainly need Brian Robinson Jnr to return to the display he showed vs the Tennessee Titans. Brian has been a solid RB overall in his time in D.C., but might this front office want a bit more dynamism at the position? Undoubtedly, they’ll be some envious glances towards the Atlanta namesake Bijan Robinson and a rookie QB can really benefit in being able to hand off to an explosive back.

However, when you have Jayden Daniels at QB, all is possible and the Falcons in 2024 are generating little in the way of sacks (they rank last in that category) and takeaways have also been below the middle of the pack stats wise for Atlanta.

The UKHTTC prediction is a 31-17 win for the burgundy and gold and play-offs here we come!

Have a feeling that Luke McCaffrey might return a punt to the house too; Luke excites me as a returner and is another great example of the coaching staff being creative in Washington.

As ever, it is always useful to get the opponent viewpoint each Sunday.

Here at UKHTTC, we took time out with ATL Falcons UK to discuss the Falcons season and thoughts pre-game. Asking the questions is UKHTTC founder, Christian Burt.

UKHTTC: the Falcons have moved on from QB Kirk Cousins, with Penix Jnr now suiting up under centre. The early signs seem positive. Can you provide any insight into the former Washington QBs struggles and hopes going forward with Penix?

Cousins was generating way too many turnovers.

The lack of production was one thing, but the turnover to touchdown ration became untenable.

Going forward with Penix we will have some much-needed movement in the pocket but of course, as with any rookie, he lacks experience. The early signs are hopeful though.

How have the FA additions performed for Atlanta in 2024?

A little bit of a mixed bag but mainly positive.

Free Safety Jessie Bates III (ranked fourth for forced fumbles and INTs) and WR Darnell Mooney have been the stand out pickups. Both are performing at a very high level for the Falcons.

And what are your season 1 views on the rookie class for the Falcons?

We didn't see too much of it early due to Michael Penix being on the bench and some injuries. 

The Falcons starting to see a little bit of production from the interior lineman, Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus, but they are still very much rotational players. Obviously Penix Jnr will be the big telling point on whether this class was a success.

Where can Atlanta give the Commanders problems on SNF?

Our run game has been excellent in recent weeks.

The 1-2 punch at that position is up there with the best in the league. Definitely our main threat for moving the ball with Bijal, but the Falcons receiving core has been decent all year also.

And where might Washington have some success vs Atlanta?

I think Washington's game comes down to how well Daniels performs. In the main he has been stellar but there have been a couple of wobbles a long the way

Any under the radar guy for Atlanta that Washington fans should look out for?

100% WR Darnell Mooney.

Seen as a bust in Chicago we expected some mid-range play from him this year. In reality though he has been our stand out receiver and has been excellent at finding those pockets of space downfield.

Not sure he is still under the radar, but certainly a guy who is outperforming his expectation.

Score prediction and where to find ATL Falcons UK?

I will go 24-17 Atlanta. Close game coming down to 1 or 2 big plays.

ATL Falcons UK can be found on all major social media and podcast platforms and we are four lads from around the UK who just love talking ball with fellow fans and decided to go through the pain of following Atlanta together.

We of course focus on the Falcons but welcome followers from all teams, we'd be happy to chat to anyone who loves the NFL like we do!