Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder enters Sunday’s home game against the Washington Commanders on the heels of his best passing performance of his two-year career.
Ridder threw for 329 yards with one touchdown and led the team on a game-winning drive in the final two minutes last week during the Falcons 21-19 win against the Houston Texans.
Two days after the victory, the Falcons gave Ridder another receiving option when the team acquired Van Jefferson in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams.
Jefferson has significant connections to this Atlanta team. Jefferson’s father, Shawn, played with the Falcons from 2000-02 for three seasons, and Van lived in Atlanta as a youth while his father played for the team. In addition, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith and Shawn were on the same Tennessee Titans coaching staff from 2013-15.
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“It was a while ago, and it wasn’t why we wanted him,” Smith told reporters during Wednesday’s press conference. “But you do feel good and know what he’s about. Obviously, the tape matches it, too. It’s not just the personal relationship, but you feel good about bringing him into our locker room with the characteristics.”
Smith and Ridder would likely be pleased if Van can match his father’s production in a Falcons uniform. Shawn had 124 catches for 1,755 yards and five touchdowns during his 45-game stint with the Falcons. Van had 101 receptions, 1,499 yards receiving, and 10 touchdowns with the Rams during his career with the team.
Sunday’s win kept the Falcons undefeated at home this season. They will trying to keep going against a Commanders team on a three-game losing streak. Last week, the Commanders got blasted 40-20 against the Chicago Bears.
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera has yet to lose faith in his team despite the three-game losing skid.
“They know that there are circumstances, situations that we can do better. I think the biggest thing more so for these guys is really just the way they’re approaching this week so far,” Rivera said after Wednesday’s practice. “[They] came out and had a good practice today. I think they’re focused, getting themselves ready, preparing, so I’m not concerned about that.”
How to Watch Falcons vs. Commanders
The Atlanta Falcons host the Washington Commanders on Sunday for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. CBS will air the game with Andrew Catalon (play-by-play), Tiki Barber (analyst), Matt Ryan (analyst), and AJ Ross (sideline) calling the action.
Injury Reports
Falcons: Offensive lineman Kaleb McGary (knee) was upgraded to a full participant in Friday’s practice after being a limited participant for Wednesday and Thursday’s practice sessions.
Defensive end Calais Campbell took a non-injury related rest day on Wednesday, but has fully participated the rest of the week. Tight end Jonnu Smith (ankle) and defensive end Bud Dupree (wrist) were full participants in Thursday and Friday’s practices after being limited Wednesday.
Commanders: Defensive lineman Efe Obada (knee) returned to practice this week after starting the season on the Injured Reserve list. Odaba is listed as questionable for the Falcons game.
After not practicing this week, cornerback Christian Holmes (hamstring) is ruled out of the game. Curtis Hodges (illness), Charles Leno Jr. (finger), and Curtis Samuel (finger) were all full participants this week.
Betting Info for Falcons vs. Commanders
The Falcons are favored by 2.5-points, according to Friday’s odds on BetMGM Sportsbook. The over/under is 42.5 points. The Falcons are -145 on the money line and Commanders are +120.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.