Commanders 34–30 Falcons: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 4, 2021

Q: How did the quarterbacks play in Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?

M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 52.1% completion, -1.8% CPOE, +0.40 EPA per dropback, +19.35 total passing EPA. T. Heinicke (Washington Commanders), 54.8% completion, +3.5% CPOE, +0.53 EPA per dropback, +22.36 total passing EPA.

Q: Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?

T. Heinicke (Washington Commanders) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +22.36 total EPA on Passing plays. across 42 snaps. Their top snap (+4.29 EPA): (8:02) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 17-T.McLaurin for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Quick answer

Winner: Washington Commanders
Final score: Washington Commanders 34–30 Atlanta Falcons
Halftime: Washington Commanders 13–17 Atlanta Falcons at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP: Taylor Heinicke
Top passer: Matt Ryan
Biggest EPA play: 9-C.Nizialek kicks 66 yards from ATL 35 to WAS -1. 1-D.Carter for 101 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Game date: 2021-10-03

Game summary

The Washington Commanders beat the Atlanta Falcons 34–30 on 2021-10-03, overcoming Atlanta Falcons's 17–13 halftime lead. Taylor Heinicke posted a game-high +22.36 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 27 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
Washington Commanders	0	13	9	12	0	34
Atlanta Falcons	3	14	6	7	0	30

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

WASWashington Commanders

+3WAS 7

WAS 42

+1ATL 15

ATL 2

+3ATL 2

WAS 7

ATL 17

ATLAtlanta Falcons

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

15 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q1 7:05FG
Younghoe Koo
Points+3
Yard line
WAS 7
Score
0-3
(7:05) 7-Y.Koo 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 11:16TD
Cordarrelle Patterson
Points+6
Yard line
WAS 42
Score
0-9
(11:16) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep middle to 84-C.Patterson for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN [93-Jon.Allen].
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 11:07XP
Younghoe Koo
Points+1
Yard line
WAS 15
Score
0-10
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.
WASWashington Commanders
Q2 8:02TD
Terry McLaurin
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 33
Score
6-10
(8:02) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 17-T.McLaurin for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
WASWashington Commanders
Q2 7:55XP
Dustin Hopkins
Points+1
Yard line
ATL 15
Score
7-10
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
WASWashington Commanders
Q2 2:09TD
Antonio Gibson
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 2
Score
13-10
(2:09) 24-A.Gibson left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 0:19TD
Cordarrelle Patterson
Points+6
Yard line
WAS 12
Score
13-16
(:19) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-C.Patterson for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q2 0:14XP
Younghoe Koo
Points+1
Yard line
WAS 15
Score
13-17
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.
WASWashington Commanders
Q3 15:00TD
DeWayne Carter
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 35
Score
19-17
9-C.Nizialek kicks 66 yards from ATL 35 to WAS -1. 1-D.Carter for 101 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q3 11:15TD
Cordarrelle Patterson
Points+6
Yard line
WAS 14
Score
19-23
(11:15) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-C.Patterson for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
WASWashington Commanders
Q3 5:35FG
Dustin Hopkins
Points+3
Yard line
ATL 2
Score
22-23
(5:35) 3-D.Hopkins 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way. WAS-75-B.Scherff was injured during the play.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 15:00TD
Michael Davis
Points+6
Yard line
WAS 7
Score
22-29
(15:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 28-M.Davis for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
Q4 14:52XP
Younghoe Koo
Points+1
Yard line
WAS 15
Score
22-30
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.
WASWashington Commanders
Q4 4:02TD
Terry McLaurin
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 17
Score
28-30
(4:02) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep middle to 17-T.McLaurin for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN [54-F.Oluokun].
WASWashington Commanders
Q4 0:46TD
JMJ. McKissic
Points+6
Yard line
ATL 30
Score
34-30
(:46) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 41-J.McKissic for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

1Taylor Heinicke · Washington Commanders · Passing · +22.36 total EPA · 42 snaps · +0.53 EPA/play
2Matt Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +19.35 total EPA · 48 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
3Cordarrelle Patterson · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +10.64 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.77 EPA/play
4Terry McLaurin · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +7.06 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
5Curtis Samuel · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +5.02 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.26 EPA/play
6J. McKissic · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +3.72 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
7Kyle Pitts · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.85 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
8Michael Davis · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.66 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.83 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Taylor Heinicke — WAS · Passing

Taylor Heinicke posted the highest total EPA (+22.36) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Washington Commanders. Across 42 counted snaps, they averaged +0.53 EPA per play.

Taylor Heinicke's top snap (+4.29 EPA): (8:02) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 17-T.McLaurin for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Biggest single play (+6.07 EPA): C. Nizialek — 9-C.Nizialek kicks 66 yards from ATL 35 to WAS -1. 1-D.Carter for 101 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Matt Ryan led all passers in efficiency for Atlanta Falcons, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 48 dropbacks · 52.1% completion · -1.8% CPOE · +0.40 EPA/play · +19.35 total EPA
Taylor Heinicke (Washington Commanders) · 42 dropbacks · 54.8% completion · +3.5% CPOE · +0.53 EPA/play · +22.36 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

Stat	Washington Commanders	Atlanta Falcons
Offensive EPA/play	+0.233	+0.119
Offensive success rate	45.8%	42.6%
Pass EPA/play	+0.532	+0.403
Rush EPA/play	-0.273	-0.201
Defensive EPA/play	-0.119	-0.233
Defensive success rate	57.4%	54.2%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Washington Commanders generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.23 vs +0.12), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

Washington Commanders: +0.23 EPA/play (94th percentile vs. 2021 team-game averages)
Atlanta Falcons: +0.12 EPA/play (80th percentile vs. 2021 team-game averages)

Atlanta Falcons: 10 drives, +11.19 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Washington Commanders: 10 drives, +19.36 total EPA, 6 scoring drives

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

Atlanta Falcons — Cordarrelle Patterson (Matt Ryan pass) (Q2 11:16)
Washington Commanders — Terry McLaurin (Taylor Heinicke pass) (Q2 8:02)
Washington Commanders — Antonio Gibson (Q2 2:09)
Atlanta Falcons — Cordarrelle Patterson (Matt Ryan pass) (Q2 0:19)
Washington Commanders — DeWayne Carter (Q3 15:00)
Atlanta Falcons — Cordarrelle Patterson (Matt Ryan pass) (Q3 11:15)
Atlanta Falcons — Michael Davis (Matt Ryan pass) (Q4 15:00)
Washington Commanders — Terry McLaurin (Taylor Heinicke pass) (Q4 4:02)
Washington Commanders — J. McKissic (Taylor Heinicke pass) (Q4 0:46)

Field goals

Atlanta Falcons — Younghoe Koo (Q1 7:05)
Washington Commanders — Dustin Hopkins (Q3 5:35)

Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 3–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the WAS 7 (Q1 7:05) — (7:05) 7-Y.Koo 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek..

The second quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 14–13. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the WAS 42 (Q2 11:16) — (11:16) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep middle to 84-C.Patterson for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN [93-Jon.Allen].; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 11:07) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 33 (Q2 8:02) — (8:02) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 17-T.McLaurin for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q2 7:55) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 2 (Q2 2:09) — (2:09) 24-A.Gibson left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the WAS 12 (Q2 0:19) — (:19) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-C.Patterson for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 0:14) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek..

The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 9–6. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 35 (Q3 15:00) — 9-C.Nizialek kicks 66 yards from ATL 35 to WAS -1. 1-D.Carter for 101 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the WAS 14 (Q3 11:15) — (11:15) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-C.Patterson for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the ATL 2 (Q3 5:35) — (5:35) 3-D.Hopkins 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way. WAS-75-B.Scherff was injured during the play..

The fourth quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 12–7. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the WAS 7 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 28-M.Davis for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q4 14:52) — 7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 17 (Q4 4:02) — (4:02) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep middle to 17-T.McLaurin for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN [54-F.Oluokun].; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the ATL 30 (Q4 0:46).

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

Washington Commanders (Q4 0:46) — (:46) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 41-J.McKissic for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field [WPA +37.3% · EPA +4.13]
Washington Commanders (Q3 15:00) — 9-C.Nizialek kicks 66 yards from ATL 35 to WAS -1. 1-D.Carter for 101 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +20.5% · EPA +6.07]
Atlanta Falcons (Q4 0:01) — (:01) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass incomplete deep middle (20-B.McCain). WAS-35-T.McTyer was injured during the play. [WPA -20.2% · EPA -1.13]
Washington Commanders (Q3 8:58) — (8:58) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 10-C.Samuel to ATL 29 for 10 yards (21-D.Harmon). Penalty on ATL-54-F.Oluokun, Defensive Holding, declined. [WPA +14.0% · EPA +4.06]
Washington Commanders (Q4 1:12) — (1:12) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 13-A.Humphries pushed ob at ATL 33 for 19 yards (35-A.Williams). [WPA +13.7% · EPA +1.57]

Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

Washington Commanders (Q3 15:00) — 9-C.Nizialek kicks 66 yards from ATL 35 to WAS -1. 1-D.Carter for 101 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +20.5% · EPA +6.07]
Washington Commanders (Q2 8:02) — (8:02) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 17-T.McLaurin for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +10.0% · EPA +4.29]
Washington Commanders (Q4 0:46) — (:46) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 41-J.McKissic for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field [WPA +37.3% · EPA +4.13]
Washington Commanders (Q3 8:58) — (8:58) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short left to 10-C.Samuel to ATL 29 for 10 yards (21-D.Harmon). Penalty on ATL-54-F.Oluokun, Defensive Holding, declined. [WPA +14.0% · EPA +4.06]

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 7:05 · WAS 7 · Score 0-3
(7:05) 7-Y.Koo 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 11:16 · WAS 42 · Score 0-9
(11:16) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep middle to 84-C.Patterson for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN [93-Jon.Allen].
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 11:07 · WAS 15 · Score 0-10
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 8:02 · ATL 33 · Score 6-10
(8:02) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 17-T.McLaurin for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 7:55 · ATL 15 · Score 7-10
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way.
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 2:09 · ATL 2 · Score 13-10
(2:09) 24-A.Gibson left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 0:19 · WAS 12 · Score 13-16
(:19) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-C.Patterson for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 0:14 · WAS 15 · Score 13-17
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 15:00 · ATL 35 · Score 19-17
9-C.Nizialek kicks 66 yards from ATL 35 to WAS -1. 1-D.Carter for 101 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 11:15 · WAS 14 · Score 19-23
(11:15) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 84-C.Patterson for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q3 5:35 · ATL 2 · Score 22-23
(5:35) 3-D.Hopkins 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-C.Cheeseman, Holder-5-T.Way. WAS-75-B.Scherff was injured during the play.
Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 15:00 · WAS 7 · Score 22-29
(15:00) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short left to 28-M.Davis for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 14:52 · WAS 15 · Score 22-30
7-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-9-C.Nizialek.
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 4:02 · ATL 17 · Score 28-30
(4:02) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep middle to 17-T.McLaurin for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN [54-F.Oluokun].
Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q4 0:46 · ATL 30 · Score 34-30
(:46) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass short right to 41-J.McKissic for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field

Key takeaways

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

Washington Commanders earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
Taylor Heinicke (Washington Commanders) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
Taylor Heinicke (WAS) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons on 2021-10-03?

The Washington Commanders beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-30 in Week 4, 2021.

What was the score by quarter in Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?

Q1: Washington Commanders 0, Atlanta Falcons 3; Q2: Washington Commanders 13, Atlanta Falcons 14; Q3: Washington Commanders 9, Atlanta Falcons 6; Q4: Washington Commanders 12, Atlanta Falcons 7; Final: Washington Commanders 34, Atlanta Falcons 30.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?

Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Patterson (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 11:16) Washington Commanders touchdown — T. McLaurin (T. Heinicke pass) (Q2 8:02) Washington Commanders touchdown — A. Gibson (Q2 2:09) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Patterson (M. Ryan pass) (Q2 0:19) Washington Commanders touchdown — D. Carter (Q3 15:00) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — C. Patterson (M. Ryan pass) (Q3 11:15) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Davis (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 15:00) Washington Commanders touchdown — T. McLaurin (T. Heinicke pass) (Q4 4:02) Washington Commanders touchdown — J. McKissic (T. Heinicke pass) (Q4 0:46) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q1 7:05, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q3 5:35, 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?

Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 52.1% completion, -1.8% CPOE, +0.40 EPA per dropback, +19.35 total passing EPA. Taylor Heinicke (Washington Commanders), 54.8% completion, +3.5% CPOE, +0.53 EPA per dropback, +22.36 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons?

Taylor Heinicke (Washington Commanders) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +22.36 total EPA on Passing plays. across 42 snaps. Their top snap (+4.29 EPA): (8:02) (Shotgun) 4-T.Heinicke pass deep left to 17-T.McLaurin for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Was Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons a close game?

Yes — the margin was 4 points. Washington Commanders won 34-30 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Washington Commanders

Entered 1-2 Now 2-2 W

Atlanta Falcons

Entered 1-2 Now 1-3 L

Washington Commanders vs. Atlanta Falcons: 2021 Week 4 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Commanders

Top fantasy performers · Falcons

Quick answer

Game summary