The Atlanta Falcons’ loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday night has left many questioning coach Raheem Morris’s decision to keep the clock running on a crucial first down, ultimately leading to a missed 56-yard field goal attempt. In hindsight, some believe that calling a timeout could have been the better option.
With around 34 seconds remaining in regulation, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. connected with wide receiver Darnell Mooney for a 25-yard first down, putting the Falcons at their own 44-yard line. Instead of taking a timeout to regroup and potentially get more precise plays, Morris opted to keep the clock running.
“We were trying to move up the field quickly,” Morris said in an interview after the game. “You always second-guess those things, but I wanted to have the opportunity to make a play.”
The decision paid off briefly, as Penix connected with Mooney again on the next play before throwing an incomplete pass. However, penalties by the Commanders moved the Falcons back and set up Patterson’s missed field goal attempt.
Morris acknowledged that he “probably could have” stopped the clock after the second incomplete pass but hoped to save a timeout for later. The loss leaves the Falcons at 8-8 and in need of help to secure a playoff spot. They face a crucial week against the Carolina Panthers next, with their postseason hopes hanging in the balance.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43219201/helped-falcons-fourth-quarter-fate