The Atlanta Falcons' playoff hopes took a hit after a 30-24 overtime loss to the Washington Commanders. Multiple clock management errors, including failing to utilize all timeouts and an abandonment of their successful running game, contributed to the defeat. The Falcons now need help to reach the playoffs, while the Commanders secured their spot.
Dec 30, 2025 at 08:00 AM ETleft five timeouts unused, and they may have an extended chance to linger over those mistakes.
Morris declined to use all three of his timeouts at the end of the first half before settling for a field goal. He had two left in the waning minutes of regulation beforeThe first-year coach acknowledged he “probably could have” taken one after Michael Penix Jr. connected withon a 25-yard completion with 40 seconds left. Instead, the clock wound down to 17 seconds because he was “trying to save that timeout.
Questionable coaching came back to bit the Falcons, including a near-total abandonment of the running game that was picking Washington apart for much of the first half.had 13 carries for 82 yards and two touchdowns until there was one minute left before halftime, and he was handed the ball just four more times for 8 yards the rest of the way.
“We didn’t really have the ball much," said Penix, who was 19 of 35 for 223 yards, a touchdown pass toand an interception. “I believe we ran three plays. We just got to sustain drives. We can’t go three-and-out. Our mindset each and every time we step on the field is to get points. Whenever we have the opportunity based on that, it could have made us go one way or the other passing or running the ball.
NFL Falcons Commanders Playoffs Clock Management
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