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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’t have 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 to quarterback Jason Campbell on the field. The Falcons are 10-1 at the Georgia 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

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