Game story
In Week 9 of the 2009 NFL season on 2009-11-08, the Atlanta Falcons took care of business against the Washington Commanders, pulling away with a 31–17 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Campbell (Washington Commanders) paced the passing game, with -1.24 total EPA, and +2.8% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Turner (Atlanta Falcons) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +7.16 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-15.4% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Washington Commanders changed the game: (3:01) 17-J.Campbell pass short right intended for 86-F.Davis INTERCEPTED by 24-T.Hill at ATL 38. 24-T.Hill for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 14 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 31 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Turner · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +7.16 total EPA · 19 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play
- 2 A.Randle El · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +3.68 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.23 EPA/play
- 3 T. Gonzalez · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.01 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
- 4 L. Betts · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.42 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.42 EPA/play
- 5 L. Betts · Washington Commanders · Rushing · +2.36 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
- 6 M. Mitchell · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.35 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.18 EPA/play
- 7 M. Sellers · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +1.69 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
- 8 T. Yoder · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +1.42 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.42 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Turner — ATL · Rushing
M. Turner posted the highest total EPA (+7.16) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Atlanta Falcons's efficiency. Across 19 counted snaps, they averaged +0.38 EPA per play.
The signature play (-8.66 EPA) came from Washington Commanders: (3:01) 17-J.Campbell pass short right intended for 86-F.Davis INTERCEPTED by 24-T.Hill at ATL 38. 24-T.Hill for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — T. Gonzalez (M. Ryan pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — T. Hill
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Turner
- Washington Commanders — L. Betts
- Washington Commanders — T. Yoder (J. Campbell pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Turner
Field goals
- Washington Commanders — S. Suisham
- Atlanta Falcons — J. Elam
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 14–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the WAS 2 (Q1 54:22) — (9:22) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 88-T.Gonzalez for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q1 54:18) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the ATL 46 (Q1 48:01) — (3:01) 17-J.Campbell pass short right intended for 86-F.Davis INTERCEPTED by 24-T.Hill at ATL 38. 24-T.Hill for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q1 47:47) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 10–3. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the ATL 30 (Q2 36:02) — (6:02) 6-S.Suisham 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-S.Paulescu.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the WAS 30 (Q2 33:44) — (3:44) 33-M.Turner left end for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Key block by 74-W.Svitek.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q2 33:36) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the WAS 15 (Q2 30:05) — (:05) 1-J.Elam 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 7–0. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q3 22:14) — (7:14) 46-L.Betts left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q3 22:10) — 6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-S.Paulescu..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 3 (Q4 13:13); Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q4 13:05) — 6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-S.Paulescu.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the WAS 58 (Q4 11:36) — (11:36) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q4 11:23) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Washington Commanders (Q1 48:01) — (3:01) 17-J.Campbell pass short right intended for 86-F.Davis INTERCEPTED by 24-T.Hill at ATL 38. 24-T.Hill for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 50:23) — (5:23) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left intended for 80-M.Booker INTERCEPTED by 52-R.McIntosh at WAS 29. 52-R.McIntosh to WAS 47 for 18 yards (33-M.Turner).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 57:22) — (12:22) 33-M.Turner left end pushed ob at WAS 17 for 33 yards (30-L.Landry).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 11:36) — (11:36) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 50:36) — (5:36) 9-M.Koenen punts 36 yards to WAS 12, Center-48-B.Pittman, fair catch by 82-A.Randle El. PENALTY on WAS-37-R.Doughty, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced at WAS 48 - No Play.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Washington Commanders (Q1 48:01) — (3:01) 17-J.Campbell pass short right intended for 86-F.Davis INTERCEPTED by 24-T.Hill at ATL 38. 24-T.Hill for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 50:23) — (5:23) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left intended for 80-M.Booker INTERCEPTED by 52-R.McIntosh at WAS 29. 52-R.McIntosh to WAS 47 for 18 yards (33-M.Turner).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 11:36) — (11:36) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q2 38:29) — (8:29) (Shotgun) 17-J.Campbell pass deep middle to 45-M.Sellers to ATL 28 for 47 yards (50-C.Lofton).
Quarterback report card
J.Campbell led all passers in efficiency for Washington Commanders, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Campbell (Washington Commanders) · 32 dropbacks · 46.9% completion · +2.8% CPOE · -0.04 EPA/play · -1.24 total EPA
- M.Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 29 dropbacks · 58.6% completion · +7.0% CPOE · -0.08 EPA/play · -2.45 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Washington Commanders | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.073 | +0.088 |
| Offensive success rate | 43.2% | 52.1% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.078 | -0.084 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.106 | +0.206 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.088 | +0.073 |
| Defensive success rate | 47.9% | 56.8% |
By the numbers
Atlanta Falcons held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.09 vs -0.07), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Atlanta Falcons: 10 drives, +6.40 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Washington Commanders: 9 drives, -5.90 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Atlanta Falcons leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- M. Turner (Atlanta Falcons) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- M. Ryan (ATL) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 54:22 · WAS 2 · Score 0-6
(9:22) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 88-T.Gonzalez for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 54:18 · WAS 2 · Score 0-7
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 48:01 · ATL 46 · Score 0-13
(3:01) 17-J.Campbell pass short right intended for 86-F.Davis INTERCEPTED by 24-T.Hill at ATL 38. 24-T.Hill for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 47:47 · WAS 2 · Score 0-14
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 36:02 · ATL 30 · Score 3-14
(6:02) 6-S.Suisham 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-S.Paulescu. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 33:44 · WAS 30 · Score 3-20
(3:44) 33-M.Turner left end for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Key block by 74-W.Svitek. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 33:36 · WAS 2 · Score 3-21
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 30:05 · WAS 15 · Score 3-24
(:05) 1-J.Elam 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 22:14 · ATL 1 · Score 9-24
(7:14) 46-L.Betts left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q3 22:10 · ATL 2 · Score 10-24
6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-S.Paulescu. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 13:13 · ATL 3 · Score 16-24
(13:13) 17-J.Campbell pass short right to 87-T.Yoder for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Atlanta challenged the incomplete pass ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #1 - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q4 13:05 · ATL 2 · Score 17-24
6-S.Suisham extra point is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-S.Paulescu. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 11:36 · WAS 58 · Score 17-30
(11:36) 33-M.Turner left tackle for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 11:23 · WAS 2 · Score 17-31
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Washington Commanders 31-17 in Week 9, 2009 on 2009-11-08.
What was the final score of Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?
The final score was Washington Commanders 17, Atlanta Falcons 31 (WAS 17-31 ATL) in Week 9, 2009 on 2009-11-08.
What was the score by quarter in Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?
Q1: Washington Commanders 0, Atlanta Falcons 14; Q2: Washington Commanders 3, Atlanta Falcons 10; Q3: Washington Commanders 7, Atlanta Falcons 0; Q4: Washington Commanders 7, Atlanta Falcons 7; Final: Washington Commanders 17, Atlanta Falcons 31.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — T. Gonzalez (M. Ryan pass) (Q1 54:22) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — T. Hill (Q1 48:01) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Turner (Q2 33:44) Washington Commanders touchdown — L. Betts (Q3 22:14) Washington Commanders touchdown — T. Yoder (J. Campbell pass) (Q4 13:13) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Turner (Q4 11:36) Washington Commanders field goal — S. Suisham (Q2 36:02, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — J. Elam (Q2 30:05, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?
J. Campbell (Washington Commanders), 46.9% completion, +2.8% CPOE, -0.04 EPA per dropback, -1.24 total passing EPA. M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 58.6% completion, +7.0% CPOE, -0.08 EPA per dropback, -2.45 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?
M. Turner (Atlanta Falcons) led the game in total EPA with +7.16 on rushing plays. across 19 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-8.66 EPA): (3:01) 17-J.Campbell pass short right intended for 86-F.Davis INTERCEPTED by 24-T.Hill at ATL 38. 24-T.Hill for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -15.4%.
Season records after this game
Washington Commanders
Entered 2-5 Now 2-6 L
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 4-3 Now 5-3 W
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