Falcons Suffer Heartbreaking Loss To Commanders

Landover, Maryland – The Atlanta Falcons lose a heartbreaker to the Washington Commanders 30-24 on an overtime touchdown from Jayden Daniels to Zach Ertz.

The Falcons battled back from seven down to score a touchdown with 1:23 left in the game. Falcon’s kicker Riley Patterson missed a 56-yard kick at the end of regulation for a chance to win the game.

 

Overview

Although the Falcons started out the game with an interception, they kept their composure and controlled the first half of the game with an affective running game. With the one-two punch, both Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier shredded through the Commander’s defense.

Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was able to bounce back after the early turnover and took command of the offense. His poise throughout the game really stood out and was the sole reason for the Falcons to come back, which was demonstrated by the game-tying touchdown thrown to Kyle Pitts.

Penix finished the game 19-35 for 223 yards and his first touchdown of his career.

Defensively, the Falcons had their moments, which had Daniels and their offense rattled. Kayden Ellis intercepted Daniels’ pass in the red zone for in the first quarter.

In the second half, the Commanders dominated the time of possession and Daniels continued to hurt the Falcons with his legs time-in and time-out.

This loss took the Falcons out of the division lead and now have to win next week and hope the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose.

 

Positives

Michael Penix Jr. really displayed his poise and competitiveness in his second game as the starting quarterback. His ability to bounce back from adversity and then come through in the clutch was confirmation of picking him No. 8th overall in this year’s NFL Draft.

Zac Robinson called a game plan that used, not only the attributes of Penix but capitalize on all the advantages of their personnel. To be able to use the bootleg effectively, line up in exotic formations and not be predictable caused the offense to be expandable and effective.

They leaned on the run. They were able to get a good mix with Robinson and Tyler Allgeier throughout the first half.

On the defensive side, the line was able to get pressure on Daniels and be able to rattle him in the first half. Atlanta ended up with five sacks.

Jessie Bates III recorded his first career sack.

 

Negatives

Time management was very questionable and may have cost them the game. After a 25-yard back shoulder connection to Darnell Mooney from Penix with 34 seconds left in regulation, head coach Raheem Morris decided not to call one of their two timeouts. This led to the Falcons burning 17 seconds before they ran another play.

In the third quarter, the offense only ran three plays total.

While the Falcons only had four penalties for 25 yards, the Commanders had 13 penalties for a total of 108 yards but couldn’t take advantage of it.

Daniels hurt the Falcons with his legs, especially on the game-winning drive in overtime. We’ve seen this throughout the season where mobile quarterbacks are problematic for the Falcons. This is crucial, especially when they have to face Bryce Young next week.

 

What’s Next 

Atlanta will host the Carolina Panthers in a must win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Buccaneers host the New Orleans Saints at home.

Tampa Bay needs to lose and Atlanta has to win in order for them to win the division and get in the playoffs.