6 things to know about Washington-Falcons heading into Week 4
The Washington Football Team is back on the road in Week 4 as they face the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Each team enters Week 4 with identical 1-2 records. However, Washington is coming off a blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills, while the Falcons picked up their first win over the New York Giants.
Washington picked up its first win of 2021 two weeks ago against the Giants.
Now, here’s everything you need to know for Washington’s Week 4 game at Atlanta.
Game information
When: Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
TV: Fox
Washington's first trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Dec 2, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; A general view of the field after the Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Auburn Tigers during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta’s beautiful new stadium opened in 2017. The last time Washington played in Atlanta was back in 2015.
Falcons have won the previous six meetings
Aug 22, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Redskins linebacker Montez Sweat (90) tackles Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The last time Washington defeated the Atlanta Falcons was back on Sept 14, 2003. That is 18 years and six games between the two NFC franchises. Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan has never lost to Washington. The three meetings between 2012-2015 were all decided by one possession.
Matt Ryan coming off his best game
Sep 26, 2021; E. Rutherford, N.J., USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws the ball in the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Ryan led the Falcons to their first win of the season in Week 3. He was outstanding. Ryan was good in the first two weeks, but he is still getting acclimated to Atlanta’s new offense under head coach Arthur Smith. For anyone expecting Ryan — the 2016 MVP in his 14th NFL season — to struggle will be disappointed. Ryan is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFC.
Taylor Heinicke's homecoming
Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) looks down field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke grew up in the Atlanta area and went to high school in Suwanee, Georgia. As he said after practice on Wednesday, he is excited about coming back to Georgia.
“It’s going to be a fun day,” Heinicke said Wednesday, per Ethan Cadeaux of NBC Sports Washington.
“It’s going to mean a lot playing in front of my trainer who I’ve been training with for 10-plus years, high school head coaches, stuff like that,” Heinicke said. “They’re a big part of who I am today and why I’m here.”
Arthur Smith is the son of a former Washington co-owner
Sep 19, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Arthur Smith made a name for himself the last few years as the offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans. He helped rejuvenate the career of quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Another unique fact about Smith is he is the son of Frederick Smith, founder and CEO of FedEx. Smith is also a former co-owner of the Washington Football Team. He was one of the three co-owners who were in a nasty battle with Daniel Snyder and sold their minority stakes back to Snyder this year.
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