The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Washington Commanders 34-27 in Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season.
Following a disastrous 30-0 shutout against the Carolina Panthers last week, pressure was on head coach Raheem Morris.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr sent a message to any doubters, throwing two touchdowns and going for 313 yards.
Bijan Robinson reminded fans why he is being talked about as one of the best players in the NFL by getting a touchdown early in the second quarter.
A depleted Washington side without star quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver one Terry McLaurin looked lacklustre.
Falcons move on to 2-2 as they enter their bye week, with the Buffalo Bills their next clash on Monday Night Football.
Penix Jr. bounces back
Following the humbling display in Charlotte last week, the media was on Michael Penix Jr’s back.
The young quarterback scored no points and was replaced by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in the back end of the game.
However, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, he looked like a different man.
He threw to Drake London and Kyle Pitts for touchdowns, completing 20 of 26 pass attempts.
His accuracy, which had come under major scrutiny during the week, was spot on – throwing a dime to London early in the second.
It was a much-needed bounce-back performance for a man that the Falcons’ front office rests their future on.
Defense back to its best
Under Jeff Ulbrich, the Falcons had the second-best defence in the NFL after two games.
Those standings took a tumble following the Carolina defeat.
However, on Sunday they showed their worth, keeping a free-scoring Commanders team below the 30-point mark.
Rookie Jalon Walker achieved two tackles and one pressure, whilst also recording three other pass-rush wins.
Defensive lineman Zach Harrison got a sack on former Falcon Marcus Mariota.
Xavier Watts continued his fantastic start to the campaign with another interception.
There are strong feelings from the Falcons camp that they have a brilliant group right now who can go on to achieve success.
Romo settles the nerves.
Having gone flawless with five of five kicks scored against the Minnesota Vikings, the Falcons thought kicker Parker Romo had solved their problems.
So when Romo went missed both field goals in the very next game, people were scratching their heads.
However, he bounced back well with a flawless game, nailing both field goals and nailing every extra point.
Bye week
With the bye week now here for the Atlanta Falcons, the overall feeling around the franchise is good.
Michael Penix Jr has started well, whilst also showing he can bounce back from adversity.
The coaching staff have also shown their worth, with Zac Robinson making a clear impact by being pitchside.
Fans would have hoped for at least a 3-1 record going into Week 5, but they still sit pretty in the NFC South.
Next up for the Dirty Birds, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
