Falcons 2023 record: 3-3 (2nd in NFC South)
Opponent: Washington Commanders
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
Final: Commanders (24) – Falcons (16)
Notable Falcons Performances:
QB Desmond Ridder – 28/47 (59.6%) for 307 YDs, 2 TDs, 3 INTs
WR Drake London – 9 REC for 125 YDs
TE Kyle Pitts – 4 REC for 43 YDs, 1 TD
DL Calais Campbell – 4 tackles, 1 sack (100th!!!), 1 TFL, 2 QB hits
Notable Commanders Performances:
QB Sam Howell – 14/23 (60.9%) for 151 YDs, 3 TDs
WR Terry McLaurin – 6 REC for 81 YDs
WR Curtis Samuel – 4 REC for 41 YDs, 1 TD
CB Kendall Fuller – 9 tackles, 2 passes defensed, 1 INT
DE Casey Toohill – 2 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 TFL, 3 QB hits
Takeaways:
Another rough outing for the offense as Desmond Ridder threw three interceptions and Arthur Smith had multiple coaching blunders in a game that the Falcons had multiple opportunities to pull out a win. There was always going to be growing pains with Ridder under center (something that maybe could have been worked through last season had Des been given more opportunities), but the issues with getting the plays in and risks and decisions down the stretch didn’t do him any favors. The defense gave up points, but that was mostly attributed to playing on short fields that the offense set up. Overall, they still played pretty well and should continue to do so next week against a Tampa Bay offense that could only manage to put up 6 points against the Lions (although that’s another legit defense). The offense, however, has much to figure out to try and take first place in the NFC South.
