Tag: rb bijan robinson

4 reasons the Commanders should be concerned about the Falcons

The Falcons are a good team. Here are four causes for concern for the Commanders.

Washington Passing Game’s Inconsistency

The Commanders offensive line has given up 67 quarterback pressures, which is 26th in the NFL. Quarterback Sam Howell has to prove he can get rid of the ball sooner, having been sacked an NFL-leading 29 times for minus-185 yards. Howell has six interceptions in five games, which is tied for second-most in the league.

The Falcons Running Game has been better

The Falcons have certainly been more efficient than Washington. Robinson and Tyler Allgeier have rushed for 364 and 191 yards, respectively. By contrast, Washington is led by Brian Robinson and Howell, with 271 and 101, respectively. Bijan Robinson is averaging a sixth-best 5.4 yards a carry and Allgeier 3.1, while Brian Robinson is averaging 4.0 a carry for Washington.

The Falcons team defense has been more effective

For example, the Commanders have surrendered 744 air yards on completions, while the Falcons have yielded only 596. The Falcons are tackling much better and finishing plays much better, evidenced by Washington surrendering 515 yards after the catch, while the Falcons are second-best in the NFL with only 400. The Falcons have forced 23 QB hurries which is tied for 5th, while Washington has generated only 17 hurries. The Falcons are also tied for 3rd in QB knockdowns. Washington has only 16. Washington has yielded 10 touchdown passes and Atlanta 7.

The Falcons are a good home team in 2023

The Falcons are 3-2 after five games, winning all three of their home games and losing their two road games. Atlanta defeated Carolina 24-10 in the season opener, then the next week Green Bay 25-24. After losses at Detroit and Jacksonville, the Falcons at home defeated the Texans 21-19.

Washington has two horrible losses, both surprisingly at home to the Bills and the Bears. The Commanders did play well at Philadelphia when they lost 34-31 in overtime. Perhaps the Commanders can play well enough in Atlanta on Sunday to obtain a win.

Commanders need to rebound against Falcons in Week 6

The Commanders badly need a win on Sunday.

If ever there was a week that coaches should have the attention of the Washington Commanders, it was this week.

Last week was nothing short of a disaster. Against the one-win Chicago Bears, Washington was humbled and humiliated, losing 40-20 at FedEx Field.

The embarrassment should have infuriated the Commanders and motivated them to prove themselves this week at Atlanta against the 3-2 Falcons.

The Washington secondary has something to prove after getting burned by Bears quarterback Justin Fields and wide receiver DJ Moore. They will need to do it without starting safety Darrick Forrest, whose shoulder injury landed him on IR for at least the next four weeks.

The offensive line has given up 67 quarterback pressures, which is 26th in the NFL. Quarterback Sam Howell has to prove he can get rid of the ball sooner, having been sacked an NFL-leading 29 times for minus-185 yards. It stands to reason if Howell can deliver the ball sooner, the quarterback pressures will come down some as well.

Yet it is also true Howell has six interceptions in five games, which is tied for second-most in the league.

Meanwhile, the Falcons’ offensive players, like QB Desmond Ridder, tight end Kyle Pitts, WR Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson, are hoping the same Commanders defense shows up in Atlanta.

Ridder has been sacked 16 times this season, suggesting both teams have had troubles at times with their passing game. In fact, through five games, Howell’s passer rating is 22nd at 86.0, and — look at that — who is next? Ridder is 23rd at 85.8. When it comes to QBR, Howell is 19th at 48.2, while Ridder is 24th at 42.7.

Perhaps it will come down to the running game, where the Falcons have certainly been more efficient than Washington. Robinson and Tyler Allgeier have rushed for 364 and 191 yards, respectively. By contrast, Washington is led by Brian Robinson and Howell with 271 and 101, respectively. Bijan Robinson is averaging a sixth-best 5.4 yards a carry and Allgeier 3.1, while Brian Robinson is averaging 4.0 a carry for Washington.

Imagine that — a game in 2023 could be won in the trenches.

Texas RB Bijan Robinson trending in right direction to play vs. TCU

It was reported on Friday by Anwar Richardson that Texas running back Bijan Robinson was able to practice on Thursday.

The margin of error for Big 12 football this season is miniscule. Continue reading “Texas RB Bijan Robinson trending in right direction to play vs. TCU”