The Atlanta Falcons fought hard until the bitter end but had no answer for the Washington Commanders offense during Sunday night’s 30-24 overtime loss. Jayden Daniels racked up 364 total yards, including a game-high 127 rushing yards, to help the Commanders overcome a 10-point halftime deficit.
The Falcons would not go down easy, though. On fourth-and-goal, rookie Michael Penix Jr. threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Pitts, tying the game at 24 with under two minutes left. Atlanta’s defense forced a quick three-and-out but Riley Patterson missed a field goal that would have won the game in regulation.
The Commanders got the ball first in overtime and Daniels connected with Zach Ertz to clinch a ticket to the postseason. The Falcons dropped to second place in the NFC South with one week left. Here are five takeaways from Sunday night’s overtime thriller.
1
Penix vs. Daniels lived up to the hype
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The two rookies quarterbacks played well, but the Falcons had no answer for Daniels’ scrambling ability. Penix overcame a slow start and helped keep Atlanta alive with two clutch fourth-down conversions. He completed 19 of 35 pass attempts for 223 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Daniels passed for 227 yards, three touchdowns and one interception for the Commanders. Both players have bright futures, however, Daniels is headed to the playoffs while the Falcons need some help to clinch their first NFC South title since 2016.
2
Commanders bled the clock, Falcons had no answer
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The Commanders dominated time of possession in the second half, holding the ball for over 21 of the final 30 minutes. Washington opened the third quarter with back-to-back touchdown drives that drained over seven minutes off the clock. The Falcons failed to adjust to Daniels’ dual-threat ability and couldn’t get off the field on multiple Commanders fourth-down attempts. Even though Atlanta led for much of the game, these two drives were demoralizing to the defense and changed the course of the game. Plus, poor clock management by head coach Raheem Morris cost the Falcons at the end of the game.
3
Kyle Pitts nearly saves the day
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Aside from Kirk Cousins, no other Falcons player has been criticized as much as tight end Kyle Pitts this season. However, Pitts made a few nice catches and held onto the most important throw of the game — a fourth-and-13 strike from Penix to tie it up at 24. The fourth-year tight end has been inconsistent at times, but perhaps some consistency from the quarterback going forward is just what he needs to become a factor again. Pitts has 45 catches for 587 receiving yards and four touchdowns this season.
4
Bijan goes off in the first half
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Robinson was unstoppable in the first half, rushing for two touchdowns and the majority of his 90 yards. Even when there didn’t appear to be any space, Robinson found a way to hop around until he gained positive yardage. The second-year running back finished the game with 17 carries for 90 rushing yards and two touchdowns, adding another eight yards on three receptions. The Commanders essentially played keep away from Robinson in the second half and it worked to perfection.
5
What's next for Atlanta?
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The Falcons will return home for an NFC South matchup against the feisty Carolina Panthers to close out the 2024 season. The Panthers will be considered underdogs but they have nothing to lose, which is why they’re dangerous. Tampa Bay dominated Carolina in Week 17 to improve to 9-7 and take over first place in the NFC South. The Buccaneers will host the New Orleans Saints in the season finale. Atlanta must defeat Carolina and hope Tampa Bay loses to New Orleans.
