Touching Down with the Falcons

The 2-1 Washington Commanders are on the road this Sunday with a trip to Atlanta.

Here at UKHTTC, founder Christian Burt caught up with the ATL Falcons UK

Penix performance v. Carolina

The Carolina game was rough — easily the worst Falcons performance I’ve seen — but people holding Penix accountable need to look at the bigger picture.

He’s in his first season as a starter, still refining his craft and adjusting to the speed of the NFL. This game was squarely on the coaches. Offensive play-calling has been a question mark all year, and this was more of the same.

Against Carolina, the timing was off, and Penix looked hesitant at times — that’s when coaches need to protect their young QB. The question isn’t “can he throw it?” — his arm talent is undeniable. This felt more like a one-off than a red flag, but it’s a reminder he’s not the finished article just yet.

OL issues – Neuzil at Centre

Centre is the heartbeat of the offensive line. It’s not just snapping the ball; it’s the protection calls, adjustments, and communication that give a young QB confidence. With Drew Dalman out, Ryan Neuzil was thrown into the deep end. He did hold his own at times last season, but I’m still surprised the Falcons didn’t address the position in the offseason. That said, he’s far from the biggest concern on this roster right now.

Pass D ranked 1

This has been the big positive. The secondary has been excellent, but the real key is balance. Atlanta invested heavily in pass rush during the draft, and that’s allowed AJ Terrell and Jessie Bates to play more aggressively on the back end.

Being ranked first against the pass isn’t down to one unit — it’s the whole defence clicking. AJ being out last week is a huge loss, and he’s still day-to-day, but it’s encouraging to see rookie Xavier Watts step straight into a starting role.

Falcons under-the-radar player

Keep an eye on Kaden Elliss. He doesn’t get the spotlight, but his versatility at linebacker is massive. He blitzes, he covers, he cleans up in the run game. The same goes for Divine Deablo, who’s come in and looked the part. Washington’s O-line could struggle with Elliss’s timing and angles. He’s the type of player who won’t dominate the highlight reels but can wreck a drive or two.

Commanders injury bug – opportunity?

This is absolutely a chance to bounce back, but you’ve got to respect the league.

Even when starters are missing, teams scheme around it. If Jayden Daniels can’t go, Washington loses a huge dimension with his legs, but Mariota can still run the system and move the chains. For Atlanta, the key is to control tempo: establish the run, protect Penix, and force Washington to chase the game. Do that, and Carolina can be left in the rearview.

Mariota in Atlanta

Mariota was a pro during his short stint in Atlanta. He worked hard, competed, and was respected in the locker room. On the field, though, it never fully clicked. Accuracy and consistency were issues, and by the end, it was clear the offence needed a new direction. As a mentor and teammate you can’t fault him, but given all the team’s issues at the time, it was never going to work.

Fear in burgundy & gold

Terry McLaurin is always the guy. His route running, toughness, and ability to produce regardless of who’s throwing him the ball make him a constant danger. That said, he hasn’t practiced all week and sat out again today — a huge bonus for Atlanta if he can’t go.

Still, Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz can get the job done, so the Falcons’ secondary can’t relax.

Score & season predictions

Falcons 24 – Commanders 16. Atlanta should have enough to take advantage of Washington’s injuries and get back on track, though bouncing back from a 30–0 shutout won’t be easy.

For the season, it’s still early. The expectation was always for the Falcons to push for the playoffs. With the Bucs sitting at 3-0, a wildcard spot may be more realistic unless Atlanta can put a run together.

Washington set the bar sky-high last season, and I wondered if they could match those expectations. If Daniels gets healthy, they’ll compete. Without him long-term, it’s much harder to predict.