WATCH: Desmond Ridder TD to Jonnu Smith as Atlanta Falcons Trim Deficit vs. Washington Commanders

Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith caught his first touchdown of the season from Desmond Ridder against the Washington Commanders.
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For the Atlanta Falcons (3-2) to remain undefeated inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, they'll need a big fourth quarter in Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders (2-3).

And so far, the Falcons are on their way.

Atlanta took a big step closer to achieving its goal, as quarterback Desmond Ridder found tight end Jonnu Smith open in the left flat for a touchdown with 12:43 to play in the final quarter.

Here's a look at the play ...

Smith entered Sunday's game as Atlanta's leader in receiving yards with 246, which is more than he had in 14 games (245) with the New England Patriots last year.

Further, Smith was tied with running back Bijan Robinson for the team lead in receptions with 21 and with receiver Drake London for the lead in first downs with 11.

Jonnu Smith has been a positive addition to the Atlanta Falcons.
Jonnu Smith has been a positive addition to the Atlanta Falcons / USA Today Sports

Smith's touchdown reception was his first in 41 games, dating back to Oct. 3, 2021. It gave him four receptions for 36 yards on the day.

Similarly, Ridder has put together a solid day, completing 21 of 33 passes for 210 yards and a pair of touchdowns while also throwing an interception.

The Falcons have twice overcome fourth quarter deficits at home this season, coming back from 12 points down in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers and taking leads after trailing 12-7 and 19-18 in last week's victory over the Houston Texans.

Ridder is 31-0 at home throughout his college and professional career and is now just one more comeback away from adding yet another tally - and more plays like this one to Smith will only help.


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Daniel Flick
DANIEL FLICK

Daniel Flick is an accredited NFL writer for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Daniel has provided boots-on-ground coverage at the NFL Combine and from the Atlanta Falcons' headquarters, among other destinations, and contributed to the annual Lindy's Sports Magazine ahead of the 2023 offseason. Daniel is a co-host on the 404TheFalcon podcast and previously wrote for the Around the Block Network and Georgia Sports Hospitality Media.