
Falcons, Commanders meet in game with playoff implications
Associated Press— Ron Rivera tried to keep from getting too excited about his Washington Commanders getting on enough of a roll to move into the mix for a playoff spot. “It’s really cool.” It’s also a little unexpected after the Falcons looked like they were coming into the season in rebuilding or retooling mode and the Commanders lost four of their first five games. “If we can string these together, when we get to the point where the season is done, I think we’ll be excited about it.” Much like Rivera, Commanders defensive lineman Jonathan Allen — tied with fellow Alabama product Daron Payne for the team lead with 6½ sacks — is trying not to get too high off this success. The Commanders are 4-1 since Heinicke took over, and his personality and “play every game like it’s my last” style have made him easy to rally around. I think there’s a lot of things that go into why, and winning is obviously the first and foremost thing because when you’re winning, it is easy to buy into it and get behind it.” FALCONS TIGHT END OPTIONS Atlanta put tight end Kyle Pitts on injured reserve with a knee injury, and MyCole Pruitt replaced him against Chicago.
History of this topic

Commanders coach Dan Quinn is on the verge of returning to the Super Bowl 8 years after Falcons loss
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Commanders go from reveling in the franchise’s first playoff win in 19 years to focusing on Detroit
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Commanders coach Dan Quinn says he is ‘not concerned’ about Jayden Daniels’ leg soreness
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Mariota leads playoff-bound Commanders to 23-19 win over Cowboys after replacing Daniels
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Jayden Daniels dazzles again as Commanders clinch a playoff spot by beating Falcons 30-24 in OT
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‘A different feeling’ in Atlanta as the Falcons look to end their playoff drought
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Commanders-Falcons flexed to ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 17: See full changes
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Slumping Falcons try to keep pace in NFC South when visiting the skidding Raiders
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Jayden Daniels and the Commanders don’t have a lot of time before facing the NFC East rival Eagles
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Uncharacteristic and untimely struggles doomed the Falcons against the Saints
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Kirk Cousins puts Falcons in NFC South driver’s seat, but they have work to do
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Falcons Struggling to Conquer Seattle: A Tale of Missed Opportunities
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Despite injury to Jayden Daniels, Commanders all smiles after throttling Panthers
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Panthers' Quest for Redemption: Can Bryce Young Lead a Comeback?
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Falcons looking for more points from Cousins-led attack as they brace for visit from Mayfield, Bucs
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Falcons squander a prime-time chance to show they’re a team on the rise in the NFL
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Commanders fire Ron Rivera, hire ex-Warriors, Vikings GMs to help advise Josh Harris’ ownership group
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Cowboys dominate Commanders to claim NFC East title, will face Packers in playoffs
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Falcons have more quarterback questions as they cling to hopes of winning NFC South
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Commanders in prime position to build roster in 2024 following latest loss to 49ers
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Falcons owner on coach Arthur Smith’s future with team: ‘We’ll let the season play out’
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Falcons’ season teeters on the brink after a dismal loss. Smith and Ridder feel the heat
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Falcons’ Smith reinstates Ridder as starting QB for key NFC South game against Saints
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Stumbling Falcons head into bye week with 3 straight losses and questions everywhere
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Falcons’ Smith wants to avoid ‘musical chairs’ at QB as Heinicke prepares for second start
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It’s homecoming week for Falcons coach Arthur Smith, whether he likes it or not
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Ridder, Falcons look to keep passing game clicking against struggling Commanders
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Schultz: Arthur Smith’s big risk says a lot about him and why Falcons are 2-0
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Commanders, Ron Rivera eye rare chance at 2-0 as Sam Howell faces another first
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Washington Commanders schedule 2023: With pressure on, Rivera gets soft opening slate
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Commanders’ actions must match words, whether offense goes run-first or not
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Rivera won’t commit to Commanders starting QB vs. Cowboys
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Carson Wentz, Commanders continue playoff chase vs. Browns
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Commanders in playoff hunt, following typical Rivera script
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Commanders run game lets Heinicke be himself and win games
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Commanders outrun Falcons, intercept Mariota in 19-13 win
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First-place Falcons hope to keep running against Chargers
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Rivera, Wentz frustrated after awful start dooms Commanders
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A closer look at the Falcons' defensive struggles on third down
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