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Falcons Week - Studs, Duds, and Hat Tips

Canadian Hog

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Sunday's game vs. Atlanta was that typical game we have watched countless times in the last 30 years where the Burgundy and Gold should have won easily, but found a way to lose.

On the day where the team honoured Sean Taylor on the 15th anniversary of his death, the only difference was that the Commanders this time found a way to hold on for a 19-13 victory over Atlanta in dramatic fashion.

Are things truly turning around for this franchise for once? A 7-5 record is naturally going to get some thinking that maybe good fortune is just around the corner...

Let's get right to this week's Studs, Duds, and Hat Tips.

Studs:

1. Brian Robinson Jr. - it wasn't long ago where the conversation surrounding Brian Robinson Jr. focused on whether he would even be able to play football again. Following an amazing recovery after being shot, the rookie Running Back proved why the Commanders invested a 3rd round pick on him in this past April's draft. The Commanders leaned heavily on the run on Sunday, especially in the most critical moments in the 2nd half, and amassed 176 yards on the ground. Robinson had his first ever 100 yard rushing game as a pro and led the charge with 105 yards on 18 carries for a 5.2 yard carry average. He showed power, some good vision, and amazing will and determination on several carries on Sunday. His first quarter touchdown reception was an amazing display of physicality at its best, where he basically ran over a Falcons defender on route to the endzone. All in all, Brian Robinson is helping to establish a physical and nasty presence in the Commanders' backfield, and is proving that he is going to be a load for opposing defenses to handle on Sundays if we are willing to commit to him consistently down the stretch.

2. Daron Payne - with the Commanders up 19-13 with under two minutes to play and the Falcons driving inside our 10 yard line, it appeared as though we were going to die a slow death. Everything was set up for the Falcons to score, take the lead, and basically leave us with no time to work with on the clock. Enter Daron Payne. His tipped pass on a 3rd and Goal pass created the much needed turnover for the Commanders to secure a victory. If Daron Payne does not get his hand on the Marcus Mariota pass, it appeared from the replays that Cordarelle Patterson would have scored fairly easily, as he was open. A defensive turnover in that situation was really our only path to victory and we amazingly found a way to get it done. Daron Payne has made a HUGE case this year to get paid this offseason and the Commanders have to seriously consider doing whatever it takes to keep him in Washington. He has been that good.

3. Kendall Fuller - As mentioned, Fuller's interception in the endzone with under 1 minute to play was basically the Commanders' only path to victory on Sunday. Fuller showed excellent awareness to adjust his body after the tipped pass by Daron Payne. His excellent concentration allowed him to come down to the ground while securing possession of the football. Best of all, in a league where we sometimes don't know what a catch is anymore, Fuller left no doubt that the ball was secured and that his hands were underneath it. It was truly a game-saving play by a player that has been easily playing his best football in Washington over the last several weeks this season.

4. Tress Way - at 10-10 in the third quarter, it appeared as though Washington was having a bit of a hard time shaking the Falcons and taking control of the football game. Enter Tress Way. His punt which landed perfectly at the Atlanta 5 yard line in many ways was a turning point for the Commanders. Following that punt, Washington's defense got Atlanta off the field in three plays. They then took possession of the football at their own 40 yard line and proceeded to drive 60 yards in 11 plays, finishing with a John Bates TD reception. Taking the lead there in a beautiful sequence of complimentary football seemed to spark the Commanders the rest of the way. Tress was the catalyst that sparked it all.

5. Sean Taylor - 15 years ago, Washington lost in their game at home vs. the Bills in the game following Sean Taylor's death. It was one of the most painful losses I had experienced as a Redskins fan in many years, as I desperately wanted them to win one in Sean's honour. On Sunday vs. the Falcons, the team got it right and won one for #21. We love you, Sean. Rest easy, 21.

Duds:

1. Jason Wright/Dan Snyder - the idea of honouring Sean with a permanent memorial/statue on the 15th anniversary of his death prior to the game sounded like a good plan. The execution of the mannequin-like figure they used was far less than spectacular. As per usual, this franchise seems to miss the mark with the details that matter to a dedicated fanbase like ours. Do better.

2. Joey Slye - I give credit to Slye for converting on a 45 yard field goal to extend our lead to six points with 9 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter. It was a very good recovery for Slye following the missed extra point earlier in the game. However, you cannot put your team in a position where a missed extra point is potentially the difference between winning and losing. Slye needs to be taking the defense out to dinner this week, as they saved his behind in the final minute.

Hat Tips:

1. Scott Turner - I thought he showed some pretty decent situational awareness with his play calling at times on Sunday. Most notably on 3rd and 18 on Atlanta's 37 yard line with 9:52 remaining in the game. He called a sneaky good run play to Antonio Gibson up the middle that went for 10 yards and set Slye up to extend the lead to six points. It forced Atlanta to have to score a TD in the final few minutes, something that proved to be too difficult for them. Maturity, responsibility, and patience in play-calling is something we have clamoured for from Turner. There was some progress Sunday that I hope continues moving forward.

Up next are the New York Football Giants in a mammoth NFC East clash. In many ways, it feels as though these next two games against New York will tell the tale of the 2022 Washington Commanders. If you win them both and get to 9-5 overall, you are basically punching your ticket to the playoffs. You lose them both, you are basically kissing your season goodbye. If you split, the San Francisco and Dallas games will loom large. Hold on, it is going to be quite the ride.

That's it for this week's Studs, Duds, and Hat Tips. Do you agree? Disagree? Who did we miss?

Left hand up!
 
I'd also give a stud to Christian Holmes. Here's a seventh round rookie who's played all of six snaps all season thrust into a starting role on a miserable sloppy day. He not only isn't visibly picked on, but he's all but invisible throughout the game minus one time where he makes a positive play.

That's stepping up.
 
If Kevin Sheehan is somehow watching, please mention how some radio host personalities thought that maybe we had seen the best of Brian Robinson Jr. and had overlooked the fact that he was still recovering from being shot twice. And that those radio personalities thought that he ran too upright and thought he was not as good as Antonio Gibson.

Maybe they are a fantastic duo and having Brian Robinson will actually help Antonio Gibson stay fresher in a 17 game season.


We know you love Antonio Gibson Kevin. Now give Brian Robinson Jr. the props he deserves.
 
I will give Slye some credit for making the field goal after missing the pat. He had to be feeling the heat. If he misses that fg there is a much higher chance we lose.
 

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