5 positives for the Commanders against the Falcons in Week 12

The Washington Commanders continued to find new ways to win on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.  The last-minute victory has placed them directly into the playoff race as of Sunday night.

If you like close football games with a lot of drama in the last two minutes, then Sunday’s Washington Commanders game against the Falcons was designed to your personal preference.  However, the outcome was not decided until the last forty seconds and it seemed like the game was tilted heavily in Atlanta’s favor.  The defense somehow came up with a miraculous play and a Falcons mistake sealed a 19-13 victory for the Burgundy and Gold.

Welcome to this week’s analysis of the game.  We were literally one play from focusing on a loss, but it is five positives that are highlighted today.  There are four game balls to award to deserving players and grades to hand out to each unit and the coaches.  We also have a prediction for the Giants game this coming Sunday and some additional thoughts on what’s ahead.

Let’s get right to it!

5 positives for the Commanders in Week 12

1. The first positive from Sunday’s game is the running backs.  Brian Robinson (105 yards), Antonio Gibson (32 yards), and Jonathan Williams (22 yards) combined for 159 yards on the ground.  Robinson (20 yards) and Gibson (22 yards) added 42 yards on five receptions.

2. The special teams unit is our second positive of the week.  Joey Slye connected on both of his field goal attempts.  Alex Erickson fielded each punt cleanly.  Tress Way proved once again why he is the best in the business.

3. The defense was far from perfect, but Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne faced double and triple team blocking for the entire game.  In the end, the defense did enough to preserve the 19-13 victory and they are the third positive for this week.

4. The offensive line is the fourth positive against the Falcons.  The running backs capitalized on solid blocking for most of the game and yes, the pass blocking was not great, but good enough on Sunday.

5. Our fifth positive from Sunday’s game is the fans at FedEx Field.  Several players mentioned the enthusiasm and support from fans throughout the game.  Kudos to the Commanders fans for helping to make a difference on day when the weather was nasty.

Grades for Commanders vs. Atlanta

• Quarterbacks – Grade: C-
• Running Backs – Grade: A+
• Tight Ends – Grade: B+
• Wide Receivers – Grade: B-
• Offensive Line – Grade: B+
• Defensive Line – Grade: B
• Linebackers – Grade: B-
• Cornerbacks – Grade: B-
• Safeties – Grade: A-
• Special Teams – Grade: A
• Coaches – Grade: B

Awarding four game balls to deserving Commanders

• The first game ball goes to running back Brian Robinson.  He was given a game ball from Ron Rivera after the game.  Good call!

• The second game ball is given to tight end John Bates.  His blocking on Sunday was top notch and he hauled in what would be the game-winning touchdown.
• The third game ball is awarded to cornerback Kendall Fuller.  With just over a minute remaining in the game, the former Hokie intercepted Daron Payne’s tipped pass in the end zone with just under one minute to play and the victory was secured.
• The fourth game ball is awarded to Tress Way.  There were some booming punts.  There was a well-placed punt downed at Atlanta’s five yard line.  Also, there was a running into the punter penalty that Tress sold perfectly and it ended the game with a “W”.
• Honorable Mention – Jamin Davis, Daron Payne, Joey Slye, Darrick Forrest, Terry McLaurin, Montez Sweat, Dyami Brown, Kamren Curl, and Antonio Gibson.

Commanders Next Game Prediction, Final Thoughts

The Commanders will travel to North Jersey to face the Giants on Sunday.  It will be a clash between playoff hopefuls.  Will Washington continue their winning ways?

Giants 22 Commanders 20

KJ Record: 6-6

• The Commanders are currently locked into the seventh seed in the NFC playoffs, but it is not guaranteed.  Washington has the third toughest schedule in the league over the final five games.
• Ron Rivera recorded his 100th victory as a head coach on Sunday.

• Don’t be surprised if Chase Young doesn’t play this Sunday, but returns after the bye.  One of the best defensive fronts will be even better.
• Joey Slye is now 18–20 on field goals in 2022.  The former Virginia Tech kicker is solidifying his chances of staying with the Commanders for many years to come.

We’ll return after the Giants game.  See you as we go along.