Washington Commanders D-Line Presents Challenge for Atlanta Falcons QB Desmond Ridder
The Washington Commanders are looking to snap a three-game losing streak on Sunday when they visit Desmond Ridder and the Atlanta Falcons.
Ridder's Falcons have racked up three wins this season, all at home, which helps their chances on Sunday ... but there's one major obstacle he'll have to face.
“The front four … They pay those guys a lot of money to get out to the quarterback and they do a great job of that,” Ridder said.
Washington Commanders defensive linemen Montez Sweat (90) and Jonathan Allen (93).
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
He’s right — Washington has a ton invested in its front four, and it is the motor of the defense, if not the entire team. Edge rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat are both athletic freaks with continuously improving polish, and defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne are freaks in their own right. As far as starting units go, there may be no better group in football.
“It’ll be a great challenge to our front five up front,” Ridder said. “And then a little banged up in the back end, so they’re rotating a whole bunch of guys, but they’ve done a great job of kind of being savvy, letting everything be underneath, and kind of attacking the ball.”
The Commanders defense has struggled mightily this season, giving up over 30 points in each of the last four games, including 40 against the Chicago Bears last week on Thursday Night Football. However, if the defensive line can give a young quarterback like Ridder some pressure, it could be the end of the Commanders losing streak.
