The Atlanta Falcons secured a 34-27 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, improving their record to 2-2 ahead of their bye week. The win comes after the team was shut out in its previous game and provides momentum as they prepare to face the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers following the break.
The Falcons’ offense addressed concerns that had been raised before the matchup. Wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. each caught their first touchdown passes of the season, while the team produced several big plays, including three gains of more than 25 yards.
A pivotal moment occurred early in the second half when quarterback Michael Penix Jr. connected with running back Bijan Robinson for a 69-yard gain, followed by a seven-yard touchdown pass to Pitts Sr., giving Atlanta a two-possession lead.
Penix Jr. led a balanced attack, with Atlanta gaining 131 rushing yards and 313 passing yards. Despite throwing his first career pick-six and being benched last week for Kirk Cousins, Penix delivered what was described as “a good rebound performance from the second-year pro.”
Several players reached milestones during the game. Robinson scored his 25th scrimmage touchdown in just his 38th career game, making him the second-fastest Falcon to reach that mark behind Gerald Riggs. Penix recorded both his longest completion by air yards (43 yards to London) and overall (69 yards to Robinson). Linebacker Kaden Elliss continued his strong play with at least half a sack in six of his last ten games, tying him for most among linebackers since Week 13 last year. Rookie safety Xavier Watts intercepted Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota—his second this season—making him the first Falcons rookie with multiple interceptions since Deion Jones in 2016.
Injuries affected several players: tight end Feleipe Franks briefly left but returned after an arm injury; cornerback Natrone Brooks suffered a concussion and did not return; wide receiver Darnell Mooney exited in the third quarter due to a hamstring issue.
Editorial staff members Tori McElhaney, Will McFadden, and Terrin Waack shared brief reactions following the game:
McElhaney: “Now that’s more like it.”
McFadden: “When everything is in sync, the Falcons look like a mighty tough team to beat.”
Waack: “The Falcons should be feeling much better heading into the bye.”
Other notes include A.J. Terrell Jr.’s absence for a second straight game, Dee Alford starting at cornerback opposite Mike Hughes, former Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota starting for Washington due to Jayden Daniels’ knee injury, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson moving from booth to sideline for improved communication, special teams practicing knuckleball kick returns after struggles last week, and seven out of fourteen NFL experts predicting an Atlanta win.
The Falcons will have their bye in Week 5 before hosting Buffalo on October 13.
