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3 overreactions to Commanders’ Week 12 win over the Falcons

By Jerry Trotta

Nov 27, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) tips a pass by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) ultimately intercepted by Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller (not pictured) in the end zone in the final minute during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) tips a pass by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) ultimately intercepted by Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller (not pictured) in the end zone in the final minute during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Commanders can smell the playoffs following their victory over the feisty Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

With rain pouring down from the Maryland sky, both teams rode their running games. When push came to shove, the Commanders won the time of possession battle and did just enough through the air and on defense to see out the win.

With the victory, Washington improved to 7-5. They’ve won six of seven after starting the campaign 1-4 and are in pole position to secure a playoff berth so long as they avoid a collapse over the remaining five games. In the process, they established serious cushion between Atlanta, who entered the weekend just a game and a half out of the playoffs, but now sit a distant 5-7 with five to play.

The Commanders needed this win in the worst way,  especially after the franchise disrespected Sean Taylor pregame, and fans are ecstatic. Let’s get into some overreactions — which may actually have some substance!–  from Washington’s latest win.

3 overreactions from Commanders thrilling win over the Falcons

(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

3. Commanders have a top-five RB room in the NFL.

Can you name five running back committees that are superior to Washington’s Antonio Gibson-Brian Robinson tandem? The Browns have been the gold standard in this regard but Nick Chubb has taken over that backfield. Coming from a disgruntled Kareem Hunt fantasy owner, Hunt’s been useless all season.

The Cowboys probably have Washington beat with Zeke Elliott and Tony Pollard, and San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey-Elijah Mitchell duo is pretty special. The Packers have the potential with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Like the Browns with Hunt, though, Dillon’s been an afterthought in Green Bay. An argument can be made for the Bears’ duo of David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert, too.

Be honest. How many of those committees are definitively better than Robinson and Gibson? The fact their respective workloads fluctuated from week-to-week (Robinson is suddenly the No. 1 again after weeks of Gibson leading the backfield) keeps defenses guessing and is a testament to their rising stardom.

Regardless where you rank them, Robinson and Gibson are an ascending committee and should strike fear into the hearts of opponents. Gibson wasn’t even a focal point on Sunday, and the duo still combined to log 27 carries for 137 yards (5.07 yards per attempt) and 42 yards (and a TD) on four catches through the air.

Put some respect on their name.

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