Studs and duds: Brian Robinson powers Commanders to huge Week 12 win

Stud: Jonathan Allen

Even when his impact isn’t felt, Allen is still capable of delivering moments of brilliance. One of those came before the end of the first half when Allen shed his blocker and wrapped up Patterson (with one arm) near midfield on 4th and 1.

It was the exact stand Washington needed, though Taylor Heinicke gave the ball right back with an interception. Talk about blowing an opportunity to take a lead before halftime. Luckily, Younghoe Koo missed a 58-yard field goal as time expired.

Dud: Taylor Heinicke

Heinicke qualified as a stud and dud on Sunday.

Trailing 7-10, Heinicke missed an open Terry McLaurin in the corner of the end zone, forcing Washington to settle for a field goal. Later in the first half, Heinicke, seemingly pressing to get into field goal range, threw an awful-looking pick intended for McLaurin into a flock of Falcons defenders. Curtis Samuel had no defender within his vicinity and likely would’ve got the Commanders into field goal range.

To open the second half, Heinicke floated a pass to the sidelines on 3rd and 15 — again intended for McLaurin — and was lucky not to be picked Passes to the sideline require velocity to prevent defenders from breaking back to the ball. Heinicke can’t be making these mistakes if he wants to keep the starting job.

Stud: Tress Way

Just put Tress Way in the Pro Bowl already. Coming into the game leading all punters in net yards and raking second in punts downed inside the 20, Way executed a picture-perfect punt in the third quarter that pinned Atlanta deep in its own territory. Wouldn’t you know it, the Falcons went three and out on the drive.

Punters don’t get much respect around the NFL, but Way is as good as they come, and Washington fans cherish what he brings to the team.

Stud: John Bates

Any time you catch a go-ahead touchdown, you deserve a stud recognition. The score was the second of Bates’ career after he caught one as a rookie in 2021.

Dud: Joey Slye

Slye’s been so good this season — he was instrumental in Washington’s win in Philadelphia — but missing extra points are a big no-no, and he did exactly that after Bates’ go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter. As thrilling as it is to watch Slye bang in field goals from distance, he can’t be missing point-afters. Hopefully, this was his last miss of the season. It’s no secret games are lost by missing these kicks, and the Commanders had to sweat this one out in large part due to Slye’s miscue.

Stud: Kendall Fuller

Fuller started the Week 11 romp of Houston with a pick-six, and he closed the Commanders’ Week 12 win over Atlanta with a pick. Say what you will about being in the right place at the right time, but Fuller high-pointing the football was crucial, as it allowed him to protect the ball from a nearby Falcons receiver. Give Daron Payne a ton of credit for getting a hand on the pass. This play doesn’t happen without him.

Ballgame. Left hand up!