Falcons aim to tame Commanders as Michael Penix Jr. seeks redemption at Mercedes-Benz Stadium showdown
Aiming for Redemption
The Atlanta Falcons are poised to take on the Washington Commanders this Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, seeking to rectify the missteps from their previous outing. Fresh off a disheartening 30-point defeat at the hands of the Carolina Panthers, the team is eager to turn the page and regain its footing. Head coach Raheem Morris acknowledged the frustration surrounding the performance, stating, “That’s always the case when you play as bad as we played last week… We were clearly predictable last week, and rightfully so. We’ve got to go out there and play.”
With tensions running high in Flowery Branch, a victory against the Commanders would certainly provide a much-needed boost to morale.
Penix’s Challenge to Find Rhythm
At the heart of the Falcons’ struggles has been the play of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Despite only starting his seventh professional game, the pressure is mounting for him to deliver. The Falcons have scored just one touchdown in their last two contests, a feat that came during a play where the opposing defense notably took a step back.
Currently, Penix has recorded only one touchdown pass this season, which is the lowest for any quarterback with three starts. Statistically, he ranks 19th in passing yards with 605, while his completion percentage sits at a troubling 58.6%, placing him 29th in the league. Furthermore, his quarterback rating of 71.3 is 28th overall. The Falcons’ deep passing game has been virtually nonexistent, with Penix completing just 1-of-17 passes of 15 yards or more, resulting in an interception.
In response to these challenges, the Falcons have made some notable changes, including the dismissal of wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard and shifting offensive coordinator Zac Robinson from the press box to the sideline. The entire offense, particularly Penix, must rally to avoid slipping further into an early-season rut.
Defensive Line Showdown
The Falcons’ offensive line faces a formidable task as it gears up to contend with the Commanders’ robust defense. This unit boasts veteran playmakers like linebacker Bobby Wagner and defensive linemen Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw, the latter of whom has added a new dynamic to their pressure capabilities. The Commanders currently lead the league with a staggering 50.4% pressure rate, making them one of only two teams to pressure opposing quarterbacks on more than half of their dropbacks.
When pressured, they have allowed the second-lowest completion percentage (36.4%) and the third-lowest dropback success rate (22.8%). For Penix, who has struggled under duress with a league-low -15.5% completion percentage over expected, the performance of the offensive line will be crucial.
Dee Alford Steps Up
With star cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the Falcons will rely on Dee Alford to maintain defensive stability. Alford has stepped into a prominent role and has been impressive, playing nearly every snap in his last two outings. His performance has not gone unnoticed, with praise stemming from defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who highlighted Alford’s competitiveness despite facing taller opponents.
In limited targets, Alford has allowed just one reception for nine yards, showcasing his ability to challenge receivers effectively. Fortunately for the Falcons, they will be facing a Commanders team missing star wideout Terry McLaurin. However, the Commanders’ offense still possesses threats, including former All-Pro Deebo Samuel and steady tight end Zach Ertz.
Falcons Defense vs. Former Quarterback
Atlanta’s defense has emerged as one of the more improved units in the league, but they will face a significant challenge against a strong Commanders offense. Although they will miss rookie standout Jayden Daniels due to injury, former Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota will take the reins. In his last start against the Raiders, Mariota orchestrated a 400-yard performance, demonstrating efficiency in both passing and running.
The Falcons’ defense will need to be vigilant against Mariota and the running game, which features Jacory Croskey-Merritt along with Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols, who combined for 143 yards and two touchdowns in their last game. Ulbrich emphasized the need for discipline in tackling, stating, “They all run hard, and they’re all good at breaking tackles and getting extra yardage.”
Despite the 30 points surrendered against the Panthers, the Falcons still boast the 13th ranked scoring defense and rank among the top teams in several defensive categories, including sack rate and pressure rate.
Kicking Game Conundrum
The Falcons’ kicking situation remains in flux after recent struggles. Following a shaky performance by kicker Parker Romo, who missed both of his attempts in Carolina, the team held another competition for the position. Romo, who earlier displayed promise with a perfect outing against Minnesota, has been given another chance to prove himself against the Commanders.
As the Falcons look to stabilize their special teams, they are also hopeful for the return of return specialist Jamal Agnew, who could provide a much-needed spark in the return game.
Rivalry on the Line
The Falcons and Commanders have faced each other in four straight seasons, with Washington coming out on top each time by a narrow margin. Last season’s encounter was particularly memorable, with Penix leading a game-tying drive only for the Commanders to seize control in overtime.
As the Falcons enter this matchup as 2.5-point home favorites, the stakes are high. With the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers off to a strong start, every game becomes critical for the Falcons as they aim to keep pace in the NFC South.
