Atlanta Falcons Lose First Home Game: 3 Takeaways vs. Washington Commanders
The Atlanta Falcons lost their first game at home this season 24-16 to the Washington Commanders, who entered the contest on a three-game losing streak.
Here are three of the major takeaways ...
Ridder’s win streak is over
After Desmond Ridder won all 26 home games in his collegiate career and started off 5-0 in Atlanta, it seemed that death, taxes, and a Ridder home win were the only guarantees in this world. So much for that.
It wasn’t all bad for Ridder. He had his second straight 300-yard passing game after failing to reach that number in his first eight NFL games.
That’s about where the positives end.
Many have doubted Ridder as the long-term starter since he first took the field last season as a rookie and threw for under 200 yards.
Against Washington, he may have added another critic in Falcons head coach Arthur Smith after throwing three interceptions; it could be just a matter of time before former Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke attempts to revive his career as a starter.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond RIdder struggled against the Washington Commanders.
© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Congrats to Calais Campbell
After over 16 seasons, Campbell finally hit the 100-sack milestone for his career in Atlanta. He is now tied for the 40th most sacks in NFL history.
Perhaps most well known for his time in Jacksonville when he had consecutive 10+ sack seasons, was a first-team All-Pro, defensive player of the year runner-up, and a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award winner.
Campbell may not be the dominant pass rusher he was at the peak of his career, but his character, longevity, and leadership in the Falcons locker room deserve praise.
At 37 years old, Campbell still makes his presence felt on the field and in the locker room. He’s one of the only six active players with over 100 sacks and should have opportunities to build on his total this season.
Drake London is a quarterback away from being a star
Much has been made of Atlanta’s stagnant offense, which struggled to pass the ball at all early in the season, but London is a stud.
This game, he had nine receptions for 125 yards and again looked like he has some of the strongest hands in the NFL as he went up for a 32-yard catch that Mossed a defensive back.
As of now, London may have inconsistent production while the quarterback situation figured itself out, but with a better passer, there’s no reason to think he can’t produce yardage like this consistently, thanks to his ability to make timely plays.
London looks like a leader after calling out the offense for its need to improve a few weeks ago and doing just that on the field. The future is bright for the second-year receiver.
Next week, the Falcons will travel to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as each team completes for the NFC South divisional title.
