Atlanta Falcons Lose to Washington Commanders as Desmond Ridder Throws 3 INTs
The Atlanta Falcons (3-3) suffered their first home loss of the season Sunday, falling 24-16 to the Washington Commanders (3-3) inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta trailed 17-7 at halftime and 24-10 at the start of the fourth quarter but, as it's done three times already this year, put the accelerator to the floor.
Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder tossed his second touchdown of the day to tight end Jonnu Smith, trimming the margin to one possession - but tossed two back-breaking interceptions on the final three drives, and the other ended in a brief three-and-out.
Atlanta's offense had a delay of game at the one-yard line before Ridder's first fourth quarter interception and had to burn its last timeout before his second.
Ridder ended the day 28 of 47 for 307 yards and two touchdowns but had three interceptions, setting a new career high.
The Falcons were led through the air by receiver Drake London, who caught nine passes for 125 yards, his second-career 100-yard game. Tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson both added 43 yards through the air, the former also catching a touchdown.
Commanders quarterback Sam Howell finished the afternoon 14 of 23 for 151 yards and three touchdowns to go along with no turnovers.
Atlanta out-gained Washington 402-193 while playing 29 more snaps on offense but ultimately made too many mistakes to remain undefeated at home.
The Falcons will return to action next Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. EST inside Raymond-James Stadium.