Atlanta Falcons Trail Washington Commanders at Half as Kyle Pitts Scores TD

Despite tight end Kyle Pitts' first touchdown of the season, the Atlanta Falcons trail the Washington Commanders at halftime.

The Atlanta Falcons (3-2) will enter the locker room with plenty of work to do, as the Washington Commanders (2-3) hold a 17-10 lead Sunday inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Atlanta started strong, recording its first opening drive touchdown of the season as quarterback Desmond Ridder hit tight end Kyle Pitts for a nine-yard score in the back of the endzone.

Both Ridder and Pitts had their best performances this year during last week's 21-19 victory over the Houston Texans and continue to show improved chemistry, connecting for their first touchdown together and giving the Falcons a 7-3 lead halfway through the first quarter.

Desmond Ridder and Kyle Pitts are growing chemistry / USA Today Sports

But Atlanta's offense went quiet for the next two drives, one ending in a three-and-out and the other in a failed conversion on 4th and 3 near midfield - and Washington capitalized on both.

After the three-and-out, Commanders receiver Jamison Crowder returned a punt 61 yards deep into Falcons territory to set up a one-yard touchdown reception for running back Antonio Gibson from quarterback Sam Howell.

Atlanta's inability to convert on fourth down gave Washington the ball near midfield, and Howell led an efficient seven-play, 47-yard drive that ended with a seven-yard touchdown pass to receiver Curtis Samuel. The Commanders took a 17-7 lead with just 5:24 to play in the first half.

But the rest of the half saw the Falcons show life, as Ridder spearheaded a 10-play, 46-yard possession to set up a 47-yard field goal from kicker Younghoe Koo, trimming the deficit to 17-10.

Atlanta's defense forced a brief three-and-out as defensive lineman Calais Campbell recorded his 100th career sack to end the drive - but the Falcons couldn't do much more afterwards, as Ridder's group responded with a three-and-out of its own.

The Falcons will receive the ball to start the second half, searching for a comeback to stay undefeated at home.