Washington Commanders vs. Atlanta Falcons: 2003 Week 2 Recap

Game story

In Week 2 of the 2003 NFL season on 2003-09-14, the Washington Commanders took care of business against the Atlanta Falcons, pulling away with a 33–31 final that came down to the wire.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 38 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

P. Ramsey (Washington Commanders) paced the passing game, with +1.87 total EPA.

On the individual side, L. Coles (Washington Commanders) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +15.61 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-17.7% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Atlanta Falcons changed the game: (:06) (Shotgun) 11-D.Johnson pass incomplete to 87-J.Farris.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

1. 1 L. Coles · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +15.61 total EPA · 11 snaps · +1.42 EPA/play
2. 2 R. Gardner · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +6.64 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
3. 3 A. Crumpler · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +5.03 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.26 EPA/play
4. 4 J. Farris · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +4.49 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.25 EPA/play
5. 5 P. Price · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.34 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.17 EPA/play
6. 6 T. Canidate · Washington Commanders · Rushing · +1.91 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
7. 7 P. Ramsey · Washington Commanders · Passing · +1.87 total EPA · 45 snaps · +0.04 EPA/play
8. 8 T. Duckett · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +1.79 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

• Atlanta Falcons — T. Duckett (Q2 44:13)
• Atlanta Falcons — T. Duckett (Q2 43:06)
• Washington Commanders — L. Betts (Q2 38:42)
• Washington Commanders — R. Cartwright (Q2 35:42)
• Atlanta Falcons — A. Crumpler (D. Johnson pass) (Q2 33:31)
• Washington Commanders — R. Gardner (P. Ramsey pass) (Q3 24:58)
• Washington Commanders — L. Coles (P. Ramsey pass) (Q4 12:53)
• Atlanta Falcons — J. Farris (D. Johnson pass) (Q4 2:30)

Field goals

• Atlanta Falcons — J. Feely (Q1 51:06)
• Washington Commanders — J. Hall (Q2 30:12)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 3–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the WAS 19 (Q1 51:06) — (6:06) 4-J.Feely 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr..

The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 21–17. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the WAS 13 (Q2 44:13) — (14:13) 45-T.Duckett left end for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Key blocks by 88-Q.McCord & 71-T.Claridge on the play.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q2 44:05) — 4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the WAS 1 (Q2 43:06) — (13:06) 45-T.Duckett left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q2 43:02) — 4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 13 (Q2 38:42) — (8:42) 46-L.Betts up the middle for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 38:36) — 10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q2 35:42) — (5:42) 40-R.Cartwright right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 35:37) — 10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the WAS 1 (Q2 33:31) — (3:31) 11-D.Johnson pass to 83-A.Crumpler for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q2 33:27) — 4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the ATL 36 (Q2 30:12) — (:12) 10-J.Hall 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker..

The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 9–0. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 21 (Q3 24:58) — (9:58) 11-P.Ramsey pass to 87-R.Gardner for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ATL-34-R.Buchanan, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q3 24:52) — 10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.; Washington Commanders registered a safety from the WAS 94 (Q3 15:26) — (:26) 11-D.Johnson sacked in End Zone for -6 yards, SAFETY (98-J.Armstead)..

The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 19 (Q4 12:53) — (12:53) 11-P.Ramsey pass to 80-L.Coles for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 12:47) — 10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the WAS 42 (Q4 2:30) — (2:30) 11-D.Johnson pass to 87-J.Farris for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q4 2:22) — 4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

• Atlanta Falcons (Q4 0:06) — (:06) (Shotgun) 11-D.Johnson pass incomplete to 87-J.Farris. [WPA -17.7% · EPA -0.03]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q3 15:26) — (:26) 11-D.Johnson sacked in End Zone for -6 yards, SAFETY (98-J.Armstead). [WPA -14.1% · EPA -1.48]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q4 2:30) — (2:30) 11-D.Johnson pass to 87-J.Farris for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +13.7% · EPA +4.44]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q2 37:12) — (7:12) 11-D.Johnson pass INTERCEPTED by 26-I.Ohalete at ATL 31. 26-I.Ohalete to ATL 1 for 30 yards. [WPA -13.3% · EPA -6.04]
• Washington Commanders (Q3 24:58) — (9:58) 11-P.Ramsey pass to 87-R.Gardner for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ATL-34-R.Buchanan, Defensive Pass Interference, declined. [WPA +12.0% · EPA +3.34]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

• Atlanta Falcons (Q2 37:12) — (7:12) 11-D.Johnson pass INTERCEPTED by 26-I.Ohalete at ATL 31. 26-I.Ohalete to ATL 1 for 30 yards. [WPA -13.3% · EPA -6.04]
• Washington Commanders (Q2 43:12) — (13:12) 11-P.Ramsey sacked at WAS 6 for -6 yards (52-M.Stewart). FUMBLES (52-M.Stewart), RECOVERED by ATL-95-E.Jasper at WAS 1. 95-E.Jasper to WAS 1 for no gain (50-L.Moore). ATL attempted to challeng [WPA -7.8% · EPA -5.51]
• Washington Commanders (Q2 41:20) — (11:20) 11-P.Ramsey sacked at WAS 24 for -6 yards (59-S.Rogers). FUMBLES (59-S.Rogers), RECOVERED by ATL-97-P.Kerney at WAS 25. 97-P.Kerney to WAS 25 for no gain (77-R.Thomas). [WPA -3.2% · EPA -4.95]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q4 2:30) — (2:30) 11-D.Johnson pass to 87-J.Farris for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +13.7% · EPA +4.44]

Quarterback report card

P.Ramsey led all passers in efficiency for Washington Commanders, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• P.Ramsey (Washington Commanders) · 45 dropbacks · 55.6% completion · +0.04 EPA/play · +1.87 total EPA
• D.Johnson (Atlanta Falcons) · 38 dropbacks · 42.1% completion · -0.29 EPA/play · -11.08 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

By the numbers

Despite the final score, Washington Commanders generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.05 vs -0.13), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

• Atlanta Falcons: 17 drives, -10.80 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
• Washington Commanders: 16 drives, -5.38 total EPA, 5 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

• Washington Commanders leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
• One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
• L. Coles (Washington Commanders) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

1. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 51:06 · WAS 19 · Score 0-3
   (6:06) 4-J.Feely 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.
2. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 44:13 · WAS 13 · Score 0-9
   (14:13) 45-T.Duckett left end for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Key blocks by 88-Q.McCord & 71-T.Claridge on the play.
3. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 44:05 · WAS 2 · Score 0-10
   4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.
4. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 43:06 · WAS 1 · Score 0-16
   (13:06) 45-T.Duckett left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
5. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 43:02 · WAS 2 · Score 0-17
   4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.
6. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 38:42 · ATL 13 · Score 6-17
   (8:42) 46-L.Betts up the middle for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
7. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 38:36 · ATL 2 · Score 7-17
   10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.
8. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 35:42 · ATL 1 · Score 13-17
   (5:42) 40-R.Cartwright right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
9. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 35:37 · ATL 2 · Score 14-17
   10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.
10. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 33:31 · WAS 1 · Score 14-23
    (3:31) 11-D.Johnson pass to 83-A.Crumpler for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
11. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 33:27 · WAS 2 · Score 14-24
    4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.
12. Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 30:12 · ATL 36 · Score 17-24
    (:12) 10-J.Hall 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.
13. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 24:58 · ATL 21 · Score 23-24
    (9:58) 11-P.Ramsey pass to 87-R.Gardner for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on ATL-34-R.Buchanan, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.
14. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q3 24:52 · ATL 2 · Score 24-24
    10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.
15. Washington Commanders Safety (+2) — Q3 15:26 · WAS 94 · Score 26-24
    (:26) 11-D.Johnson sacked in End Zone for -6 yards, SAFETY (98-J.Armstead).
16. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 12:53 · ATL 19 · Score 32-24
    (12:53) 11-P.Ramsey pass to 80-L.Coles for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
17. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q4 12:47 · ATL 2 · Score 33-24
    10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.
18. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 2:30 · WAS 42 · Score 33-30
    (2:30) 11-D.Johnson pass to 87-J.Farris for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
19. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 2:22 · WAS 2 · Score 33-31
    4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Rackley, Holder-13-C.Mohr.