3 causes for concern from Commanders’ Week 12 win over the Falcons

1. Falcons gashed Washington on the ground

All week fans were eager to find out how Washington’s elite run defense would perform against the Falcons’ formidable rushing attack.

When push came to shove, the Commanders offered little resistance in the game, as Atlanta totaled 167 rushing yards on nearly 6.0 yards per clip. That includes Marcus Mariota’s six attempts for 49. yards. The Falcons quarterback had Washington’s defense chasing ghosts all game on read options.

Tyler Allgeier compiled 54 yards, while Cordarrelle Patterson managed 52 yards, including a pivotal 15-yard scamper on a 1st and 25 that set the stage for MyCole Pruitt’s four-yard touchdown catch following Christian Holmes’ facemask penalty.

The Falcons didn’t have nearly as much success in the second half after Washington added a fifth player in the box, but it was still alarming to watch Atlanta’s offensive line bully Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, albeit with double teams.

If not for Darrick Forrest packing a punch at the second level, the Falcons likely would’ve eclipsed the 200-yard mark.

Was this just an off day at the office? Is there reason to be concern moving forward? Whatever the case, the Commanders will have trouble beating better teams — the Browns (with Deshaun Watson), 49ers and Cowboys are still left on the schedule —  if they can’t stop the run.