Key takeaway: The offense quelled many concerns that swirled in the lead-up to Sunday’s game. A wide receiver (Drake London) and tight end (Kyle Pitts Sr.) each caught a touchdown pass for the first time this season. There were multiple explosive plays, too, including three that went for more than 25 yards.
Key moment: Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw a dart to running back Bijan Robinson during the Falcons’ first drive of the second half that picked up 69 yards. Penix then finished the job with a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. That score pushed the Falcons ahead by two possessions, taking away the game from the Commanders.
Standout performance: Michael Penix Jr. The quarterback wasn’t perfect – as evidenced by the third-quarter interception – but he ran a very balanced offense for the first time this season. The Falcons successfully ran the ball, gaining 131 yards rushing, but also speckled the field with passes and finished with 313 yards passing. Last week, the Falcons had 131 and 201, respectively. Penix had the first multi-interception game of his young career, including his first-ever pick-six, and was benched for backup Kirk Cousins. This was a good rebound performance from the second-year pro.
Source link