The Atlanta Falcons lost 30-24 in overtime to the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football. This loss dropped the Falcons to an 8-8 record and caused them to fall out of the NFL Playoffs. Atlanta held the division lead in the NFC South, but with their loss and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win, the Buccaneers move into first place. This gives Tampa Bay a spot in the playoffs with one week remaining, while the Falcons are on the outside looking in. It was a very winnable game, and the Atlanta Falcons’ missteps, from the players and coaches, could cost them their season.
The Atlanta Falcons Loss
The Atlanta Falcons got off to a good start despite an interception on their opening drive. At halftime, they led 17-7. After Washington took a 7-0 lead with a Jayden Daniels touchdown pass to Olamide Zaccheaus, Atlanta scored 17 unanswered points. With two touchdown runs from Bijan Robinson and a field goal to end the half, the Falcons had a convincing lead on the road. But Atlanta’s final drive suffered from poor clock management. With multiple timeouts available, Raheem Morris did not call any. Time bled off the clock, causing them to settle for a field goal. It did not affect this drive but was a prelude to what would happen later on.
In the second half, the Commanders stormed back. With two straight touchdown drives from Washington and two straight punts from Atlanta, the game was completely turned around. The Commanders had full control and took a 24-17 lead with four and a half minutes left in the fourth quarter. The Atlanta Falcons got the ball back, and for the first time in the second half, drove down the field. They drove 12 plays and 68 yards for a game-tying touchdown. On 4th and goal, Michael Penix threw a 13-yard dart to Kyle Pitts for a touchdown. After a couple of missed throws earlier, this was a huge play from the rookie quarterback.
The game was tied with 1:19 remaining. But the Commanders went three-and-out, only taking 39 seconds off the clock. So, the Atlanta Falcons got the ball back with a chance to win in regulation. They had time-outs available, again, but Raheem Morris’ poor clock management cost them. Penix completed a 25-yard pass to Darnell Mooney, but Morris did not call a timeout, letting the clock run down to 17 seconds. The Atlanta Falcons had to settle for a 56-yard field goal that was no good when they could have gotten closer if they used their timeouts and managed the clock instead of losing in overtime.
Losing the NFC South
This Atlanta Falcons loss was crushing and avoidable. If Raheem Morris managed the clock better, or if the Falcons offense could move the ball in the second half, they could have won this game and controlled their own destiny. But now, due to this loss, the Falcons need a few things to break their way in Week 18 if they want to win the NFC South and make the playoffs.
Week 18 Scenarios
For the Atlanta Falcons to make the playoffs, they need a win and a Buccaneers loss. Tampa Bay took the division lead with a 48-14 win over the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons face the Panthers in Week 18, while the Buccaneers face the New Orleans Saints. These teams have traded the division lead back and forth all season, through various hot and cold stretches. The Falcons took back the lead in Week 16 but gave it right back with their loss to Washington. With a 9-7 record, Tampa Bay will win the NFC South if they win or tie against the Saints. The Atlanta Falcons need the Buccaneers to lose if they want to reclaim a playoff spot.
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