LANDOVER, Md. – Julio Jones set his sights on the goal line, twisted to break a tackle and lunged toward the promised land.
A swarm of teammates rushed over from the sideline, jumping in jubilation to celebrate the end of the star receiver’s touchdown drought after 12 games.
Jones was back in the end zone, where the three-time All-Pro has been so many times in his eight-year pro career, and the Atlanta Falcons looked like the team they were predicted to be in a 38-14 blowout of the Washington Redskins on Sunday. After three straight losses, Atlanta has won three in a row and given new life to its playoff hopes.
“We’re a brotherhood,” said Jones, who finished with seven catches for 121 yards and caught his first TD pass since Nov. 26, 2017. “We support one another. If anybody scores, I’m trying to be the first one over there. Nobody hates on each other on this team. Everybody loves when other people go out here and excel and make plays.”
The Falcons (4-4) made plenty while flexing their offensive muscles with the kind of balanced attack they have lacked in an injury-marred season that had failed to live up to expectations early. Matt Ryan completed 26 of 38 passes for 350 yards and four touchdowns, including the 35-yard screen to Jones that set off the team-wide celebration.