Washington Commanders (11-5) – Atlanta Falcons (8-8): 30-24 after overtime
So, a kicker is very important in an NFL game. Younghoe Koo injured, his replacement Riley Patterson shows why he did not have a place in one of the 32 NFL squads at the start of the season. By missing the winning field goal from 56 yards, he missed the opportunity to bring Atlanta closer to the playoffs, and to be the hero of this match.
The hero of this match is none other than Jayden Daniels. The rookie quarterback once again amazed with his capacity for improvisation and his unfailing composure. By giving Zach Ertz the winning touchdown in overtime, he allowed the Commanders to return to the playoffs after 3 seasons of absence. The quarterback also allows the Rams, winner the day before, to also reach the playoffs.
With this defeat, the Falcons find themselves in the same situation as the Buccaneers last week. They no longer have their destiny in their hands to reach the playoffs. To do this, they must win next week against the Panthers. At the same time, the Buccaneers will have to lose on the Saints' field.
DANIELS TO ERTZ
TEA @COMMANDERS ARE GOING TO THE PLAYOFFS! pic.twitter.com/OzzGe0upei
— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2024
Undisciplined Commanders
The meeting started badly for the Falcons. On his 4th pass of the match, Michael Penix (19/35, 223 yards, TD, INT) saw his pass land directly on safety Quan Martin. Commanders don't ask for that much. And with nerve on a 4th attempt, Jayden Daniels (24/36, 16 races, 354 yards, 3 TDs, INT) punishes with a touchdown pass for Olamide Zaccheaus (8 REC, 85 yards, TD), very visible during of this first offensive series.
Quickly, the Commanders will become disillusioned, penalized by their indiscipline. Mike Sainristil makes a stupid rookie mistake by lining up incorrectly on a field goal. Then, it was Michael Davis who was penalized for a defensive pass interference in the touchdown zone. Bijan Robinson (17 races, 90 yards, 2 TDs) takes advantage of the opportunity, and will equalize for the Falcons.
After the defense, it's around the Commanders' attack that goes off the rails. Jayden Daniels doesn't see Kaden Elliss' blitz fake. One of the best players this season for the Falcons intercepts the quarterback. As if that were not enough, the defense continued its indiscipline by being guilty of a new penalty on a 3rd attempt.
The result is therefore the same. Bijan Robinson is at the conclusion of an offensive series and a first half that he leaves his mark on. This same defense is not far from catching up later. Unfortunately, Noah Igbinoghene misses the interception which could have revived the Washington franchise.
Bijan Robinson forgotten
Fortunately, there is a half-time, and at the end of it, the Commanders show us a different face. A face that we have seen throughout the season. However, it started badly with a new offensive penalty. But, Atlanta struggles in defensive assignments. Thus, they let Zach Ertz (6 REC, 72 yards, 2 TDs) complete 2 important receptions, including one which brings 6 more points.
To surprise the Commanders defense again, the Falcons decided to change their game plan by going more through the air. Imprecise in the first period, Michael Penix is even less precise in the second, notably for Drake London (7 REC, 106 yards). In addition, he is not helped by the offensive line, which has no solution against Dante Fowler and his teammates on the defensive line. Surprisingly forgotten, Bijan Robinson and the attack watch their opponents pass in front from the sidelines.
Unable to be effective in tackling, the Falcons defense lets Chris Rodriguez in like butter for another touchdown. As a good manager, Jayden Daniels turns the heads of Raheem Morris and his defensive staff. With confidence, the Commanders take control of the match. Unfortunately, the penalties will further slow down Washington, while Zaccheaus thought he had scored his second touchdown of the game.
With only a touchdown lead, they leave the Falcons within their reach. Visitors are not going to miss the opportunity. On one of their rare offensive series in the second half, Michael Penix took out his heroic costume with 2 conversions in the 4th attempt. A series which saw a bad snap for a loss of ground in the meantime to Bijan Robinson. Until then intermittent, Kyle Pitts (4 REC, 44 yards) allows his rookie teammate to open his counter in the number of touchdowns thrown.
At least the Falcons rookie deserves credit for giving it his all. This defeat will be part of his learning at the highest level.
