ATHENS — The Falcons offensive team had a problem in the fourth quarter of their 24-16 loss against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. After the defeat, head coach Arthur Smith claimed that communications and organisational flaws were at the root of the problem.
In their fourth-quarter performance, the Falcons lacked a certain level of organisation. It was never more clear than in three particular, crucial game circumstances. Let’s look through three instances where Smith provided direct remarks and justifications that eventually led to Washington winning in Atlanta.
What happened: As the third quarter transitioned into the fourth, the Falcons were down by 14 points. They had advanced to the Washington 2-yard line following a neutral-zone foul by the Commanders defence, and they were moving the ball nicely to begin the final quarter of play. The Falcons into the end zone thanks to a quick throw from Desmond Ridder to Jonnu Smith. With 12:38 remaining and the score at 24-16, the Falcons made the decision to attempt a 2-point convert.
The Falcons’ first attempt was trying to hit Drake London, who was positioned on an island with a defender in the end zone. The 2-point conversion play was re-attempted and moved up to the Washington 1-yard line after the Washington defender in coverage was flagged for a defensive pass interference. The handoff was handed to Tyler Allgeier, but he was stopped at the same yard line. The Falcons were unable to make the conversion, therefore the final score remained 24-16.
What was said: Smith was questioned about opting to go for two with so much time left in the game.
“We did it last year at (Los Angeles),” Smith remarked. “We have lost 14.” The fourth quarter has begun. You have to live with the results. In Los Angeles, we managed to get it to six. I believe we did it in Tampa last year. Lower there. Late, 14 down. You get two chances to do it. It’s a six-point game, you understand. We’ve done it in the past. They are punished. They halted us once we had gotten them to the one. We did it twice the previous year.
The amount of time left on the clock makes a difference in certain circumstances. The Falcons were behind the Rams 31-17 in Week 2 of the 2022 season when Troy Andersen blocked a punt, which Lorenzo Carter then recovered for a score. With fewer than five minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Falcons came out and made a two-point conversion to bring the score down to 31-25.
The Falcons were behind the Buccaneers 21-7 in Week 5 of the 2022 season when they drove down and scored a touchdown with just under five minutes remaining in play. They attempted a 2-point conversion, and it was successful as well, bringing the score down to 21-15.
Atlanta ultimately dropped both of those contests.
