*1. Washington's offense has exceeded most expectations so far (it currently ranks eighth in total yards). What's the biggest key to slowing it down? *
Andrew Hirsh: I think its forcing Kirk Cousins to win with his arm. Alfred Morris and Matt Jones are a pair of talented running backs, and if they move the ball well, Washington will be able to hang around. But if Atlanta's defense can force a lot of third and longs, it should be able to get the better of Cousins.
Kelsey Conway: Force Kirk Cousins to make his own mistakes. Over four games, Cousins has won two of those games playing turnover free football. Stopping Washington's run game will be a big challenge, but so far on the season, Dan Quinn's defense has excelled in that category. The Falcons' defense ranks fifth in the NFL in rushing defense after four games. I expect a similar of performance from the defense in this game. So, if the Falcons can force Cousins to turn the ball over, the Redskins offense could have trouble putting points on the board.
2. Brooks Reed looked good on Sunday in his Falcons debut. What can he add to the defense against Washington?
AH: First and foremost, I think he will be a big help in the run game. We saw that versus Houston when, despite getting just 15 snaps, he made several big plays on Arian Foster. If he can be that effective with a bigger workload, he can be a huge asset to the Falcons defense.
KC: Reed was signed in March primarily to help stop the run, and he will be expected to do that on Sunday. With one game now under his belt as a Falcon, I would expect to see a big day from the OLB. Alfred Morris and Matt Jones of Washington will test Reed, and I think he will exceed the challenge. A strong performance from Brooks against the Redskins' powerful rushing attack could take this Falcons' defense to another level.
3. We've learned a lot about this team, and what it's capable of, in the first quarter of 2015. What are you hoping to learn on Sunday?
AH: I want to know to know more about the defensive line's capabilities. The group has looked good so far, but based on Dan Quinn's recent comments, it hasn't yet reached its potential. A multi-sack game would instill a lot of confidence in the fan base.
KC: I want to know more about the Falcons' secondary. We saw a glimpse of what the secondary is capable of last week against Houston, as they were credited with 10 passes defensed.
Over/under: 45 total points.
AH: Under. While I believe the Falcons will be able to create a lot of offense, I wouldn't be surprised if this were a low-scoring game.
KC: Under. I think this game will be a ground and pound low-scoring type of game.
