“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.
Washington 24, Atlanta 16 – Week 6, October 15, 2023
Jamin Davis intercepted Desmond Ridder’s pass at the Washington 25 with 26 seconds remaining to wrap up Washington’s 24-16 win over the Falcons in Atlanta.
Sam Howell’s 24-yard touchdown pass to Brian Robinson Jr. extended the Commanders’ lead to 24-10 with 12:03 remaining in the third quarter. The Falcons had responded with an 81-yard drive in 12 plays, concluding with Ridder connecting with Jonnu Smith from two yards, narrowing their deficit to 24-16, but the two-point conversion failed with 12:38 in the final quarter.
The Falcons certainly had their opportunity to win the game. They drove 82 yards in 11 plays to the Commanders’ 7-yard line. However, Ridder then threw weakly, off his back foot, lobbing a pass into the end zone that Benjamin St-Juste intercepted with 5:13 remaining in the game.
On their final possession, the Falcons again drove the ball, this time 59 yards in seven plays to the Washington 34 with 31 seconds on the clock. Ridder dropped back and was eyeing Bijon Robinson from the snap. Davis undercut the route, and Ridder, having already predetermined to throw to Robinson, threw the pass right into the ’52’ of Davis, who made the game-saving interception at the 27-yard line.
The two fourth-quarter interceptions for Washington were huge. The Commanders had been outplayed all day as the Falcons amassed 402 offensive yards to only 193 for the Commanders. However, Washington won the turnover battle 3-0 and also benefited from a 61-yard punt return by Jamison Crowder.
Howell completed 14 of 23 passes for 151 yards, three touchdowns and a 119.7 passer rating. Terry McLaurin led Washington with 81 receiving yards on his six receptions, including a long of 22 yards.
The road win evened Washington’s record at 3-3. However, they would only win one other time, finishing 2023 a miserable 4-13, resulting in Ron Rivera being fired. The Falcons fell to 3-3 with the loss.