The Washington Commanders lead the Atlanta Falcons 17-10 at halftime, thanks to two first-half touchdown passes from quarterback Sam Howell.
On Washington’s opening drive, Howell connected with wide receiver Terry McLaurin on multiple occasions, at least twice on third down, to keep the drive alive. However, once the Commanders were in Atlanta territory, Howell took a sack, putting them behind schedule. The Commanders would eventually settle for a field goal.
The Falcons had an impressive drive of their own, as quarterback Desmond Ridder found tight end Kyle Pitts for a touchdown to give Atlanta a 7-3 lead.
After each team punted, wide receiver Jamison Crowder returned a punt 61 yards to the Atlanta 11-yard line, setting up Washington’s first touchdown, as Howell found running back Antonio Gibson from one yard out.
On their next possession, the Falcons went for it on fourth down, and the Commanders held them. Howell responded with another scoring drive, finding wide receiver Curtis Samuel for the touchdown to give Washington a 17-7 lead.
The Falcons would answer with a field goal to make it 17-10.
Howell completed 12 of 18 passes for 109 yards with two touchdowns. He did take three sacks, including two on Washington’s final drive.
McLaurin caught five passes for 63 yards in the first half. Atlanta will receive the second-half kickoff.