Atlanta, GA- The Atlanta Falcons remain winless in the 2019 NFL Preseason, falling 19-7 to the Washington Redskins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
It was a disappointing loss for Atlanta, who fall to 0-4 on the 2019 Preseason. Despite the loss, however, there are positive takeaways for the Falcons, as the regular season begins in just two weeks.
The starters played the entirety of the first half for Atlanta, as Falcons head coach Dan Quinn is maximizing their reps with just one more preseason game before the regular season begins.
Quarterback Matt Ryan completed nine of his 14 passes for 74 yards, completing several long plays as he continues to get comfortable in offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter’s system. Coach Koetter is back for his second stint in Atlanta, replacing Steve Sarkisian who was let go after last season.
The standout on offense for Atlanta was running back Ito Smith. The second-year back out of Southern Miss made a highlight juke move in the first quarter, catching a pass from Matt Ryan and making a great move to get past his cover man. Smith also scored the lone touchdown for Atlanta, with a nice run up the middle from five yards out.
Smith commentated post game about his performance so far in the preseason saying, “I’ve done fine, just doing my job. The offensive line has done a great job. Just going out there every day trying to get better.”
Smith will see an increase in playing time this season, as he sits firmly as the second back on the depth chart following the departure of Tevin Coleman to free agency.
The play of the game for Atlanta set up the Smith touchdown, as the Falcons defense forced a big-time turnover in the first half. Forcing great pressure on Washington quarterback Case Keenum was Falcons defensive tackle Deadrin Senat, as he collapsed the pocket forced loose the football as it launched in the air and right into the hands of defensive end Takk McKinley. Take would return the ball 17 yards to the Washington 33-yard line, setting up the lone Atlanta scoring drive.
This was a big play for both Senat and McKinley, as both are looking to step up and make an impact on this Falcons defense. McKinley is set to start at defensive end opposite Vic Beasley, while Senat, who was drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft by Atlanta, is looking to move his way into a reserve role and increase his playing time. Regardless of depth chart placement, however, it was great to see them both in the backfield and making plays at this part of the preseason.
This was the final home game of the preseason for Atlanta, as they have just one more game to play before the start of the 2019 NFL season. The Falcons have been able to avoid any major injuries but should look to be extra careful in how they handle the workload of their starters next week.
The Falcons will be on the road for their final preseason game, as they travel down to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars next Thursday at 7:00 p.m. est.
Written by Brian Pohl
