Playing on the road in a tough environment, the Atlanta Falcons took the Washington Commanders to overtime before losing a heartbreaker.
Despite the loss, there are some positive things we can and should take from the game.
I think the fourth quarter was when the game was decided. Let’s recap:
Key Takeaways From the Falcons-Commanders Game
In the fourth quarter of the Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders game played on December 29, 2024, the action was intense and crucial for playoff implications.
1. Michael Penix Is the Truth
Starting his first road game, Michael Penix came alive when he needed to.
The Commanders successfully kicked a 31-yard field goal with just over four minutes remaining, bringing the score to 24-17. However, the Falcons quickly responded.
Quarterback Michael Penix connected with Kyle Pitts for a touchdown with only 1:19 left on the clock, making the score 24-24.
2. Raheem Morris Will Get Better With Clock Management
Falcons Coach Raheem Morris made some inexplicable coaching decisions that many fans don’t agree with or understand, including not using his timeouts at the end of both half’s.
With 30 seconds left in regulation, Morris elected to not call timeout with the Falcons on Washington’s 36-yard line. Atlanta would miss the kick.
Why not call a run play for Bijan Robinson to get closer than a 56-yard field goal?
After the game, Morris said he probably should have taken the timeout, but he was hoping his rookie quarterback could get a play in quickly.
3. AJ Terrell Shut Down Terry McLaurin
Falcons cornerback AJ Terrell held vaunted Washington wideout Terry McLaurin to one catch for 5 yards. That’s the best Terrell has played and the worst for McLaurin.
Terrell covered Terry McLaurin on 32 of his 34 routes (94.1%), allowing just 1 reception for 5 yards on 7 targets. Terrell pressed McLaurin on 43.8% of his routes with an average target separation of 1.2 yards.
4. Feed Bijan Robinson
Robinson had one of his best halves of football during the first 30 minutes of the Washington game, but credit the Commanders with playing keep away in the second half.
Robinson and Tyler Allgeier carried the ball 16 times combined in the 1st half for 101 yards. The duo had 4 combined carries in the 2nd half.
If the Falcons continue to run the ball, it’s likely they win and keep possession of the clock.
Final Word
During the overtime period, the Commanders managed to clinch the victory when Jayden Daniels threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Zach Ertz, finalizing the score at 30-24. This victory was essential for the Commanders as it secured their playoff berth, while the loss significantly impacted the Falcons’ playoff prospects. But all is not lost, the Falcons just have to win next week against the Carolina Panthers — and hope the New Orleans Saints can upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
