Washington Redskins [2-5] at Atlanta Falcons [4-3]

Byline: David Elfin, THE WASHINGTON TIMES KEY MATCHUP Redskins LTs Stephon Heyer and Levi Jones vs. Falcons DE John Abraham A three-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher for the New York Jets, Abraham joined the Falcons in 2006 but was limited to eight games. He had 10 sacks in 2007 and upped the ante to a franchise-record 16.5 in 2008. In 2003, Abraham sacked Redskins quarterback Patrick Ramsey twice while dueling with Chris Samuels. The six-time Pro Bowl pick blanked Abraham during a 2006 rematch. Although Abraham, 31, has just three sacks this year, he's still quick coming around the corner. That poses problems for less nimble blockers such as Heyer, who sprained his right knee in Washington's most recent game. That's why there's a chance Jones, whom Abraham beat for a sack in 2004 in their only battle, could wind up making his first start with the Redskins or playing a lot if Heyer's knee gives out. With Jason Campbell's usual safety valve, tight end Chris Cooley, recovering from ankle surgery, the quarterback likely will need more time than ever to find the proper target. Pass protection will be even more important than usual for a revamped offensive line; Heyer and/or Jones can't afford to have a bad day against Abraham. THREE KEYS 1. Don't fall behind Before trailing Dallas 17-7 and New Orleans 28-14 at halftime the past two weeks, Atlanta had a 76-15 edge on its opponents in the first half. Washington, outscored 79-33 before halftime thus far, doesn'thave enough weapons or a solid enough offensive line to play catch-up. 2. Stay poised The Redskins aren't used to playing indoors - 1-1 under Jim Zorn -where crowd noise can be a factor, especially with Sherm Lewis sending the plays from the coaches box to Sherman Smith on the sideline toquarterback Jason Campbell on the field. The Falcons are 10-1 at theGeorgia Dome under coach Mike Smith, including 3-0 this year. 3. Control the clock Atlanta's Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and Roddy White could be this decade's version of Dallas' Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. The easiest way to neutralize the Falcons' terrific trio is to play keep-away by having Clinton Portis and the ground game churning out first downs. THE EDGE WHEN THE Redskins HAVE THE BALL Washington has yet to break 17 points this season despite playing four of seven games against defenses ranked in the bottom third of the league. The task won't be easier with tight end Chris Cooley sidelined. The good news is that the Falcons allow 4.5 yards a carry. But without Cooley and with top back Clinton Portis slowed by ailing ankles, quarterback Jason Campbell doesn't have weapons comparable to the Cowboys' or Saints'. That makes swift receiver Santana Moss even morecritical. Edge: Falcons WHEN THE Falcons HAVE THE BALL The Redskins don't use as many packages as they used to under Gregg Williams, whose New Orleans defense intercepted three of Matt Ryan's passes and sacked him three times Monday night. Washington's pass rush, particularly end Andre Carter, needs to keep its hot streak going. Running back Michael Turner broke out of his malaise with 151 yards against New Orleans and presents a major challenge for linebacker London Fletcher. The same is true for whichever cornerback ends up spending most of the game covering Atlanta's top receiver, Roddy White. Edge: Redskins SPECIAL TEAMS Washington's coverage units are among the NFL's best but could be without top tackler H.B. Blades and gunner Byron Westbrook, who each had knees scoped Oct. 27. Atlanta's not as good at covering kicks, but it's superior returning them with Eric Weems. Rock Cartwright is solid on kick returns for the Redskins ; Antwaan Randle El has been a disaster on punt returns and will share the load with Moss and DeAngeloHall. Shaun Suisham has made all nine of his field goal tries for Washington; normally reliable Jason Elam has missed four of 10 attemptsfor Atlanta. The loss of Redskins punter Hunter Smith to a groin injury gives the edge to the Falcons. Edge: Falcons