The Atlanta Falcons faced a challenging situation in Week 17, going up against the Washington Commanders with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. making only his second start. Despite a valiant effort, the Falcons' defeat has sparked significant criticism towards head coach Raheem Morris, particularly regarding his clock management strategies during the crucial final minutes of the game.

Penix managed to throw a touchdown pass with just 1:19 remaining in regulation, which tied the game and set the stage for potential overtime if the Falcons' defense could hold the Commanders. The defense rose to the occasion, forcing a quick three-and-out, which gave Penix and the offense one last opportunity to secure a win before the game went into overtime.

However, the Falcons' final drive ended in disappointment with a missed 56-yard field goal attempt by kicker Riley Patterson. The sequence leading up to the attempt raised eyebrows, as the Falcons wasted precious seconds that could have been utilized more effectively. Social media erupted with questions about how many plays could have been run if a timeout had been called, especially considering the team had two timeouts remaining at that moment.

The frustration from fans and analysts was palpable, as even former players criticized Morris's decisions. His postgame explanations regarding the clock management did little to quell the outrage, particularly when he chose not to use a timeout with around 34 seconds left on the clock. The Falcons ultimately lost the coin toss in overtime, allowing Washington to score a touchdown and seal the game.

With this loss, the Falcons' record fell to 8-8, leaving them in a precarious position where they must win their final game and hope for a loss from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to keep their playoff hopes alive.