

The Falcons’ Paul Worrilow and Robert Alford are introduced in the Georgia Dome. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

The Washington Redskins will look to build on last week’s victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, when they travel to Atlanta to face the unbeaten Falcons, who have defeated the three other teams in the NFC East,

Here are five key story lines to follow in Sunday’s game.

1. Familiar faces, schemes: Sunday’s game will feel like a family reunion, or something like that. The home sideline will feature six former Redskins coaches and three former Redskins players. Kyle Shanahan directs the Falcons’ offense, and Raheem Morris helps direct Atlanta’s defense. Wide receiver Leonard Hankerson and guard Chris Chester start and are playing well. The curious question involves whether or not either side has an edge. Holdover defensive players obviously know Shanahan’s offense well, but he knows some of their tendencies. Meantime, Sean McVay and Kirk Cousins know Morris’s philosophies in the secondary, but he knows theirs as well.

2. Secondary health: Neither Chris Culliver, nor DeAngelo Hall will play Sunday because of injuries. That leaves Bashaud Breeland to serve as the No. 1 cornerback and handle the task of chasing Julio Jones around. Will Blackmon and the unproven DeShazor Everett and Quinton Dunbar are the only other healthy cornerbacks. Blackmon, a nine-year veteran who started the past two seasons in Jacksonville, will get the nod opposite Breeland. Fortunately for the Redskins, safeties Dashon Goldson, Trenton Robinson and Kyshoen Jarrett all have their health. Breeland and his fellow corners will need their help as they try to neutralize Jones, who leads the NFL in yards and catches, and Leonard Hankerson, who ranks among the league leaders in third-down receptions.

3. Reed’s big shoes: With tight end Jordan Reed out because of a concussion, Washington’s offense has a big void. Not only is Reed the biggest target on the roster, but he also is a chain-mover. Of the tight end’s 24 receptions, 18 of them have produced first downs. Reed also is eight-for-nine on third-down passes that have come his way. No one player can replace him. But the injury opens the door for tight end Derek Carrier and slot receiver Jamison Crowder to take on larger roles. Carrier is an effective route-runner and gets open, but we’ll see if he possesses similar explosiveness after the catch. Carrier did have a 15-yard catch-and-run last week. Offensive coordinator Sean McVay believes the third-year pro is capable of making an impact. Crowder doesn’t have the size of Reed, but he has displayed great speed and reliable hands. Washington has thrived on third downs, and for that to continue, those two must produce. But also look for Washington to go to Pierre Garcon more frequently on third downs. Garcon served as the go-to guy down the stretch of last week’s game and delivered first downs and the game-winning touchdown.

4. Third-quarter play: Third quarters have gone poorly for the Redskins this season. In four games, they have mustered just three third-quarter points. The slow starts in the second half have proved costly. The Dolphins overtook them; the Giants distanced themselves; and the Eagles pulled even in the third and went on to take a fourth-quarter lead. Self-inflicted wounds have derailed Washington in the third quarters. A fumble in one game, interception in another, and penalties in two others have all served as stumbling blocks. Jay Gruden and offensive coordinator have made improved third-quarter play a point of emphasis this week.

5. Time of possession: The Redskins lead the NFL, holding the ball for 36 minutes and 19 seconds a game. The Falcons rank second at 34:16. Washington does better on the ground, averaging 139.5 yards a game while the Falcons average 113.5, Atlanta has the edge in the passing department, however (289.8 yards per game versus 243.5). So, it’ll be interesting to see which remains true to form this week. Defense will serve as the determining factor. Nose tackle Terrance Knighton says stopping Atlanta’s rushing attack will do the trick. Yes, Matt Ryan and Julio Jones are playing well, “but they’ve been doing that for years,” Knighton said. The difference, he claims, is the success of running back Devonta Freeman. Neutralizing the back, who has back-to-back three-touchdown games, will reduce Atlanta’s potency. The unit that can get off the field on third downs and/or produce turnovers will set up its offense for greater success. Washington’s defense ranks fifth in the NFL, holding foes to a clip to 31.3-percent third-down conversions. The Falcons, however, don’t fare as well, allowing a success rate of 42 percent. The Falcons’ defense has done better in the takeaway department, registering four interceptions and four fumble recoveries. Washington, meantime, has just three fumble recoveries all year.

More from The Post:

Culliver, Hall, Jackson, Reed ruled out for Sunday’s game

Key matchups to watch in Sunday’s game vs. Falcons

Falcons’ Julio Jones will challenge thin secondary

Redskins prepare to face former teammates Leonard Hankerson and Chris Chester

Sacks aren’t there, but Redskins happy with Kerrigan’s play

Jenkins: Kyle Shanahan is hitting his stride in Atlanta

Maske: Will poor offensive lines ruin the QB class of 2012?

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