Commanders Defense Struggles in 34-27 Falcons Loss

The Washington Commanders fell 34-27 to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, a loss that felt more lopsided than the final score. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix threw for a career-high 313 yards and two touchdowns while Bijan Robinson totaled a career-best 181 yards from scrimmage as Atlanta amassed a season-high 435 yards and converted multiple red-zone trips into scores. Marcus Mariota, filling in for injured starter Jayden Daniels, was 16-of-27 for 156 yards with two TDs and an interception, and Deebo Samuel had six catches for 72 yards and a score, but a late 14-play Falcons drive and the recovery of Washington’s onside kick sealed the game. Washington’s defense was repeatedly exposed — missing tackles (about 12 by early counts), failing to communicate and surrendering long drives, third‑down conversions and 24 first downs — shortcomings players and coaches say must be fixed. With a short week, the team plans to emphasize cleaning up keys, communication and tackling as it shifts focus to a Week 5 trip to face the 3-1 Los Angeles Chargers.