Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats
The Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats from September 28, 2025, tell the story of a competitive game that ultimately went Atlanta’s way, 34-27. The Falcons finished with 435 total yards compared with Washington’s 294, while Michael Penix Jr. delivered 313 passing yards and two touchdown passes. Washington still produced 147 rushing yards and made all four of its field-goal attempts, but Atlanta’s passing efficiency, third-down execution, and four touchdowns proved decisive.
The game was played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with the Falcons entering and leaving the contest at 2-2. Washington also moved to 2-2 after the loss. The official NFL gamebook records Atlanta with 24 first downs to Washington’s 17, a 50% third-down conversion rate compared with Washington’s 12.5%, and a 34:15 to 25:45 advantage in time of possession.
For anyone studying the box score beyond the final score, this matchup offers several useful lessons. Washington ran the ball efficiently, created an interception, and received a huge kick-return contribution from Luke McCaffrey. Atlanta, however, created more sustained offensive possessions and generated considerably more production through the passing game.
Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats
The most important numbers from the game can be summarized quickly:
| Category | Washington Commanders | Atlanta Falcons |
| Final score | 27 | 34 |
| Record after game | 2-2 | 2-2 |
| Total yards | 294 | 435 |
| Passing yards | 147 net | 307 net |
| Rushing yards | 147 | 128 |
| Rushing attempts | 22 | 37 |
| Passing attempts | 27 | 26 |
| Completions | 16 | 20 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 2 |
| Interceptions thrown | 1 | 1 |
| First downs | 17 | 24 |
| Third down | 1/8 | 6/12 |
| Time of possession | 25:45 | 34:15 |
| Team sacks allowed | 2 | 1 |
| Field goals | 4/4 | 2/2 |
| Total touchdowns | 2 | 4 |
The official NFL statistics confirm the major statistical split: Washington gained 147 yards on the ground and 147 net yards through the air, while Atlanta generated 128 rushing yards and 307 net passing yards. Atlanta also ran 64 offensive plays to Washington’s 51.
That balance is important because the final score does not look like a runaway result. Washington lost by seven points, yet the underlying yardage difference was 141 yards. Atlanta was able to turn its greater offensive volume into four touchdowns, while Washington’s scoring profile relied heavily on field goals.
Michael Penix Jr. Controlled the Passing Numbers
Michael Penix Jr. was the statistical standout in the passing game.
Penix completed 20 of 26 attempts for 313 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His listed quarterback rating was 126.0. He was also sacked once.
His 313 passing yards came on only 26 attempts, which works out to approximately 12.0 yards per attempt. That is a major contrast with Washington’s passing output.
The official NFL gamebook lists Atlanta with 313 gross passing yards and 307 net passing yards after the sack.
The efficiency becomes even clearer when the passing numbers are placed alongside the number of plays. Atlanta averaged 6.8 yards per offensive play, compared with 5.8 for Washington.
Penix did not simply accumulate yardage through a high volume of short throws. Atlanta’s passing attack generated enough explosive production to make 313 yards from 26 attempts possible.
His two touchdown passes also mattered because Atlanta finished with four total touchdowns. The passing game accounted for half of the Falcons’ touchdowns, while the running game supplied the other two.
For context, NFL’s player log also records Penix’s Week 4 line as 20 completions on 26 attempts for 313 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and a 126.0 passer rating.
Drake London Was Atlanta’s Leading Receiver
Drake London produced one of the most important individual receiving performances of the afternoon.
He caught eight passes for 110 yards and one touchdown. His 13.8 yards per reception showed that his production was not simply the result of short, possession-oriented throws.
London’s 110 yards represented more than one third of Penix’s passing yardage. His touchdown also directly contributed to Atlanta’s four-touchdown total.
The NFL’s player log confirms the same Week 4 production: eight receptions, 110 yards, a 43-yard long reception, and one touchdown.
From an analytical standpoint, London’s performance demonstrates why receiving totals should be viewed together with efficiency. Eight catches are useful, but 110 yards on those eight receptions provide a much clearer picture of his influence.
Marcus Mariota’s Washington Passing Performance
Marcus Mariota completed 16 of 27 passes for 156 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He was sacked twice and finished with a listed quarterback rating of 84.8.
The passing total looks modest compared with Penix’s 313 yards, but Washington did not completely abandon its aerial attack. The Commanders attempted 27 passes, one more than Atlanta.
The bigger difference was efficiency.
Washington’s 156 gross passing yards became 147 net passing yards after two sacks. Atlanta’s 313 gross passing yards became 307 net yards after one sack.
That produced a 160-yard difference in net passing yardage.
Mariota’s two touchdown passes were valuable because Washington scored only two touchdowns overall. However, the Commanders also settled for four field goals, making Matt Gay an important part of the scoring output.
The result shows why passing attempts alone are not enough to evaluate quarterback production. Washington actually attempted slightly more passes than Atlanta, yet Atlanta gained dramatically more yardage from those attempts.
Deebo Samuel Sr. Led Washington’s Receiving Group
Deebo Samuel Sr. was Washington’s leading receiver with six receptions for 72 yards and one touchdown.
His 72 receiving yards accounted for nearly half of Washington’s 156 gross passing yards.
Samuel’s touchdown was also one of only two Washington passing touchdowns. That made his receiving production particularly significant within the Commanders’ overall scoring structure.
Washington finished with 16 receptions for 156 yards and two touchdowns. That means Samuel accounted for six of the team’s 16 receptions and 72 of its 156 receiving yards.
This is an important distinction when reading the Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats. A team can have several contributors while still relying heavily on one or two players for its most productive passing plays.
Washington’s Rushing Attack Was More Efficient
One of the more interesting statistical developments was Washington’s rushing efficiency.
The Commanders ran 22 times for 147 yards, averaging 6.7 yards per carry.
Atlanta ran 37 times for 128 yards, averaging only 3.5 yards per attempt.
So Washington gained 19 more rushing yards despite running the ball 15 fewer times.
That is a substantial efficiency difference.
The official team statistics also confirm that Washington averaged 6.7 yards per rushing attempt while Atlanta averaged 3.5.
This is one of the clearest examples of why volume and efficiency should be separated when analyzing football statistics.
Atlanta’s 37 rushing attempts helped control the clock and contributed to its 34:15 time of possession. Washington’s rushing attack was considerably more efficient on a per-attempt basis, but the Commanders did not receive enough total offensive possessions to turn that efficiency into a winning scoring total.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Provided Washington’s Biggest Rushing Gain
Chris Rodriguez Jr. led Washington’s rushing production with seven carries for 59 yards.
His average was approximately 8.4 yards per carry, making him one of the most efficient individual runners in the game.
Rodriguez’s 59 yards represented 40% of Washington’s 147 rushing yards.
That is a significant contribution considering Washington had only 22 rushing attempts as a team.
The important takeaway is that Washington’s ground game was not ineffective. In fact, the team was highly efficient on its limited rushing volume. The larger issue was how that rushing efficiency translated into total offensive production and scoring opportunities.
Bijan Robinson Led Atlanta’s Ground Game
Bijan Robinson carried the ball 17 times for 75 yards and one touchdown.
His 75 yards represented nearly 59% of Atlanta’s 128 rushing yards.
Robinson averaged approximately 4.4 yards per carry, which was below Washington’s team rushing average but above Atlanta’s overall 3.5 mark.
His touchdown was particularly important because Atlanta scored two rushing touchdowns in total.
Robinson’s role also helped explain Atlanta’s offensive balance. While Penix produced 313 passing yards, the Falcons continued to use the running game extensively. Their 37 rushing attempts were 15 more than Washington’s total.
That workload contributed to Atlanta’s ability to maintain possession and keep the offense on schedule.
The Biggest Statistical Difference Was Third Down
If one statistic best explains the final result, third-down efficiency deserves special attention.
Washington converted only one of eight third-down attempts.
Atlanta converted six of 12.
That translates to:
- Washington: 12.5%
- Atlanta: 50.0%
The difference was enormous.
Atlanta converted half of its third downs, allowing its offense to remain on the field and accumulate 64 offensive plays. Washington ran only 51 plays.
This is also reflected in the time of possession. Atlanta held the ball for 34 minutes and 15 seconds, while Washington had possession for 25 minutes and 45 seconds.
Third-down performance often acts as a bridge between individual statistics and team results. A quarterback can post respectable numbers, a running back can be efficient, and a defense can create turnovers, but repeated failures on third down can limit the number of possessions available to score.
That pattern was visible here.
First Downs Show Atlanta’s Sustained Offensive Advantage
Atlanta finished with 24 first downs compared with Washington’s 17.
The difference was seven first downs.
The Falcons recorded:
- 9 first downs by rushing
- 14 first downs by passing
- 1 first down by penalty
Washington recorded:
- 7 first downs by rushing
- 8 first downs by passing
- 2 first downs by penalty
The passing first-down difference was especially notable.
Atlanta generated 14 passing first downs, six more than Washington. That aligns with the large difference in net passing yards.
The numbers therefore tell a consistent story rather than presenting isolated statistical anomalies. Atlanta passed for more yards, gained more passing first downs, converted more third downs, ran more offensive plays, and controlled possession for longer.
Washington’s Defense Created a Turnover
Washington did create one of the game’s important defensive plays.
Mike Sainristil intercepted one pass and returned it 23 yards.
The Commanders finished with one interception as a team, while Atlanta also recorded one interception.
The turnover totals were therefore even.
Sainristil’s 23-yard interception return gave Washington a useful defensive contribution, but the Commanders did not create enough additional disruption to offset Atlanta’s offensive yardage advantage.
Washington recorded one sack, seven tackles for loss, one pass defended, and two quarterback hits as a team.
Bobby Wagner led the Commanders with 10 total tackles, including four solo tackles.
His 10 tackles represented the highest individual tackle total listed for either team in the supplied data.
Atlanta’s Defense Generated More Pressure
Atlanta’s defense recorded two sacks compared with Washington’s one.
The Falcons also registered six quarterback hits compared with Washington’s two.
That four-hit difference provides another indication that Atlanta created more pressure around the quarterback, even though neither defense produced a large sack total.
Atlanta recorded:
- 61 total tackles
- 32 solo tackles
- 2 sacks
- 4 tackles for loss
- 3 passes defended
- 6 quarterback hits
Washington recorded:
- 77 total tackles
- 35 solo tackles
- 1 sack
- 7 tackles for loss
- 1 pass defended
- 2 quarterback hits
Washington’s 77 tackles were higher than Atlanta’s 61, but tackle volume should not automatically be interpreted as superior defensive performance. A defense can accumulate tackles because an opponent runs many plays or completes many passes.
In this game, Atlanta ran 64 offensive plays, while Washington ran 51. That difference helps explain why raw tackle totals need context.
Jessie Bates III Led Atlanta’s Tacklers
Jessie Bates III led Atlanta with seven total tackles and four solo tackles.
His seven tackles were three fewer than Bobby Wagner’s 10, but Atlanta’s defense still produced more quarterback pressure and more passes defended.
The supplied statistics therefore show different defensive profiles rather than a simple advantage based on tackle totals.
Special Teams Played a Meaningful Role
Special teams contributed several noteworthy numbers.
Matt Gay was perfect on field goals for Washington, going 4-for-4 with a long of 52 yards. He also converted his only extra-point attempt, giving him 13 points.
Parker Romo went 2-for-2 on field goals for Atlanta, with a long of 38 yards, and converted all four extra-point attempts. He scored 10 points.
Washington’s four field goals were especially important because the team scored only two touchdowns.
That means Gay’s kicking accounted for nearly half of Washington’s 27 points.
Atlanta’s scoring distribution was different. The Falcons scored four touchdowns and added two field goals, creating a more touchdown-heavy scoring profile.
Luke McCaffrey’s Kick Returns Stood Out
Luke McCaffrey produced an exceptional return-yardage total.
He recorded six kick returns for 199 yards, averaging 33.2 yards per return with a long of 58 yards.
Those 199 return yards were more than Washington’s total punt and interception return yardage combined.
Atlanta had five kick returns for 128 yards, averaging 25.6 yards per return.
The 71-yard difference in kick-return yardage gave Washington a notable field-position contribution, even though it did not ultimately translate into a win.
Fumbles Did Not Decide the Game
Neither team lost a fumble.
Washington recorded four fumbles and recovered three, while Atlanta recorded two fumbles and recovered two. The supplied statistics list both teams with zero fumbles lost.
That is important because turnover margin is often one of the first areas analysts examine after a close game.
Here, neither team gained an advantage from lost fumbles.
The interception margin was also even at one apiece.
Therefore, the seven-point final margin was not created by one team repeatedly losing possession through turnovers. The bigger statistical differences came from offensive efficiency, third-down conversion, passing production, and possession time.
Comparing the Quarterbacks Directly
The quarterback comparison is one of the clearest areas in the Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats.
| Quarterback | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT | Sacks | Rating |
| Marcus Mariota | 16/27 | 156 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 84.8 |
| Michael Penix Jr. | 20/26 | 313 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 126.0 |
Both quarterbacks threw two touchdown passes and one interception.
The difference was yardage and efficiency.
Penix completed four more passes despite attempting one fewer pass. He also produced 157 more gross passing yards.
The rating difference was 41.2 points.
Mariota’s performance cannot be evaluated solely through the 156-yard total because Washington’s rushing attack was efficient and the team converted all four field-goal attempts. Still, Atlanta’s passing advantage was too large to ignore.
Penix’s 313 yards represented approximately 72% of Atlanta’s 435 total yards.
Mariota’s 156 gross passing yards represented approximately 53% of Washington’s 294 total yards.
The contrasting offensive structures are clear: Atlanta relied heavily on an efficient passing attack, while Washington received a much larger relative contribution from its rushing game and kicking game.
Total Offense Explains the Final Margin
Atlanta gained 435 total yards.
Washington gained 294.
The difference was 141 yards.
Yet Washington averaged more yards per rushing attempt and generated more rushing yards than Atlanta.
That means the 141-yard difference was almost entirely explained by passing.
Atlanta gained 307 net passing yards.
Washington gained 147 net passing yards.
The difference was exactly 160 net passing yards.
Washington then gained 19 more rushing yards than Atlanta, reducing the overall difference from 160 to 141.
This is one of the most useful ways to interpret the game statistically.
The Falcons did not win because they dominated every category. They won because their passing advantage was large enough to outweigh Washington’s rushing efficiency and special-teams production.
Red-Zone Efficiency Added Another Layer
Washington went 1-for-1 in the red zone.
Atlanta went 4-for-6.
Both teams therefore recorded 100% or better-looking outcomes in the opportunities they converted, but Atlanta entered the red zone more frequently.
The official gamebook lists Washington at 1-for-1 in red-zone efficiency and Atlanta at 4-for-6.
That distinction matters.
Washington’s perfect red-zone rate sounds impressive, but the Commanders had only one recorded red-zone possession in the supplied team statistics.
Atlanta had six red-zone opportunities and scored touchdowns on four of them.
This is a useful reminder that percentages can hide volume. A 100% rate on one opportunity does not necessarily mean a team created more scoring pressure than an opponent that had multiple opportunities.
Why the Game Stayed Competitive
Despite Atlanta’s statistical advantages, Washington remained within one score.
Several factors helped keep the game close.
Washington’s Rushing Efficiency
The Commanders averaged 6.7 yards per carry, nearly double Atlanta’s 3.5 average.
Four Successful Field Goals
Matt Gay converted every field-goal attempt, including a 52-yarder.
Strong Kick Returns
Washington received 199 kick-return yards from Luke McCaffrey.
Defensive Turnover
Mike Sainristil intercepted Penix and returned the ball 23 yards.
No Lost Fumbles
Washington did not lose any of its four recorded fumbles.
These factors prevented Atlanta’s 141-yard total-offense advantage from becoming a much larger scoring gap.
Why Atlanta Finished With the Win
Atlanta’s statistical path to victory was more consistent across the most important offensive categories.
The Falcons:
- Gained 435 total yards.
- Produced 307 net passing yards.
- Completed 20 of 26 passes.
- Converted 50% of third downs.
- Recorded 24 first downs.
- Ran 64 offensive plays.
- Held possession for 34:15.
- Scored four touchdowns.
- Produced six quarterback hits.
- Limited Washington to 294 total yards.
No single statistic explains the entire result.
Together, however, these numbers provide a strong explanation for why Atlanta finished ahead 34-27.
A Closer Look at Offensive Efficiency
A useful way to compare the teams is to look at yards per offensive play.
Washington generated 294 total yards on 51 plays, or approximately 5.8 yards per play.
Atlanta generated 435 yards on 64 plays, or approximately 6.8 yards per play.
That one-yard difference per play becomes meaningful across an entire game.
Atlanta also had 13 more offensive plays.
The Falcons therefore benefited from both higher efficiency and greater volume.
Washington’s offensive efficiency was respectable, but the team did not sustain enough drives to match Atlanta’s combination of efficiency and volume.
This is particularly visible in third-down performance.
A 1-for-8 third-down record makes it difficult to maintain possession, even when the team is producing strong gains on individual rushing attempts.
What the Player Stats Reveal About Each Offense
Washington’s numbers suggest an offense that produced useful explosive contributions without maintaining consistent drive efficiency.
The strongest individual indicators were:
- Chris Rodriguez Jr.’s 59 rushing yards on seven carries
- Deebo Samuel Sr.’s 72 receiving yards and touchdown
- Matt Gay’s four successful field goals
- Luke McCaffrey’s 199 kick-return yards
- 147 total rushing yards
Atlanta’s profile was different:
- Michael Penix Jr. passed for 313 yards
- Drake London caught eight passes for 110 yards and a touchdown
- Bijan Robinson ran for 75 yards and a touchdown
- Atlanta produced 24 first downs
- The Falcons converted six of 12 third downs
- Atlanta scored four touchdowns
The statistical identities of the two teams were therefore quite different within this particular matchup.
What These Numbers Mean for Future Box-Score Analysis
The biggest lesson from the game is that individual player totals should not be viewed separately from team efficiency.
A player can produce an impressive stat line without controlling the overall result.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. averaged more than eight yards per carry, but Washington still ran only 22 times.
Luke McCaffrey generated 199 kick-return yards, but return yardage does not automatically become offensive points.
Matt Gay scored 13 points, but four field goals also indicate that Washington’s touchdown production was limited.
On the Atlanta side, Bijan Robinson did not have a huge rushing total, but his touchdown and workload complemented a passing attack that generated 313 yards.
Drake London’s 110 receiving yards were even more valuable because they came within an offense that also converted third downs and controlled possession.
This is why a good statistical review should connect player performance to play volume, efficiency, field position, scoring opportunities, and possession.
Complete Key Player Summary
Washington Commanders
Marcus Mariota
- 16 completions on 27 attempts
- 156 passing yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 1 interception
- 2 sacks
- 84.8 quarterback rating
Chris Rodriguez Jr.
- 7 carries
- 59 rushing yards
Deebo Samuel Sr.
- 6 receptions
- 72 receiving yards
- 1 touchdown
Mike Sainristil
- 1 interception
- 23 interception-return yards
Bobby Wagner
- 10 total tackles
- 4 solo tackles
Matt Gay
- 4-for-4 field goals
- 52-yard long
- 1-for-1 extra points
- 13 total points
Luke McCaffrey
- 6 kick returns
- 199 return yards
- 33.2-yard average
- 58-yard long
Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr.
- 20 completions on 26 attempts
- 313 passing yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 1 interception
- 1 sack
- 126.0 quarterback rating
Bijan Robinson
- 17 carries
- 75 rushing yards
- 1 touchdown
Drake London
- 8 receptions
- 110 receiving yards
- 1 touchdown
Xavier Watts
- 1 interception
Jessie Bates III
- 7 total tackles
- 4 solo tackles
Parker Romo
- 2-for-2 field goals
- 38-yard long
- 4-for-4 extra points
- 10 total points
What Stat to Check First When Reviewing This Game
For readers who want to understand the matchup quickly, start with three numbers:
435 total yards for Atlanta.
307 net passing yards for Atlanta.
6-for-12 on third down for Atlanta.
Then compare them with Washington’s:
294 total yards.
147 net passing yards.
1-for-8 on third down.
Those figures explain much of the game without requiring every individual statistic.
The player-level numbers then show how those team results were produced.
Penix and London powered Atlanta’s passing production, while Robinson contributed on the ground. Mariota and Samuel supplied Washington’s main passing production, while Rodriguez helped the Commanders maintain an efficient rushing attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons?
Atlanta defeated Washington 34-27 on September 28, 2025.
Who was the leading passer in the game?
Michael Penix Jr. led all passers with 313 yards on 20 completions in 26 attempts. He threw two touchdowns and one interception.
Who led Washington in rushing?
Chris Rodriguez Jr. led Washington with seven carries for 59 yards.
Who led Atlanta in rushing?
Bijan Robinson led the Falcons with 17 carries for 75 yards and one touchdown.
Who was the leading receiver?
Drake London led Atlanta with eight receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown. Deebo Samuel Sr. led Washington with six receptions for 72 yards and one touchdown.
Which team had more total yards?
Atlanta had 435 total yards, while Washington finished with 294.
Conclusion
The Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats show a game decided by sustained offensive efficiency rather than one overwhelming statistical category.
Washington had several strong individual performances. Chris Rodriguez Jr. produced 59 rushing yards on only seven carries, Deebo Samuel Sr. caught a touchdown pass, Mike Sainristil intercepted a pass, Bobby Wagner recorded 10 tackles, Matt Gay made all four field goals, and Luke McCaffrey delivered 199 kick-return yards.
Atlanta’s strongest numbers came from its passing attack and overall offensive consistency. Michael Penix Jr. threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns, Drake London produced 110 receiving yards and a touchdown, and Bijan Robinson added 75 rushing yards and a touchdown.
The most significant team-level difference was passing production. Atlanta finished with 307 net passing yards compared with Washington’s 147. The Falcons also converted six of 12 third downs, ran 64 offensive plays, recorded 24 first downs, and held the ball for 34:15.
Washington’s 147 rushing yards and 6.7 yards per carry demonstrate that the Commanders were not inefficient across the board. Their problem was sustaining enough overall offensive production to match Atlanta’s passing output.
The final 34-27 score therefore reflects a matchup in which Washington had meaningful strengths, particularly on the ground and in special teams, while Atlanta produced greater offensive volume and passing efficiency.
For readers researching the Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats, the most useful takeaway is to look beyond the headline score. The combination of quarterback efficiency, receiving production, rushing volume, third-down conversion, total plays, field position, and possession time provides a much clearer picture of how this seven-point result developed.
