ASHBURN — The walk from the parking lot to Washington's training facility never feels longer than in December, when the weather turns cold, the sun sets early, and the Commanders are often playing out the string with little on the line.
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Photos: Washington beats Atlanta 19-13
Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown (2) makes his way to the locker room after the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker (3) returns a Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) interception during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders stop Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) on fourth down during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) celebrates after his team stopped Atlanta Falcons on fourth down during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) take the field before the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) looks to make a pass during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders linebacker Khaleke Hudson (47) makes a pass as Atlanta Falcons defensive end Arnold Ebiketie (47) pressures him during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Cordarrelle Patterson was stopped on a key fourth-down attempt in the first half, leaving the game knotted at 10-all going into halftime.
Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis (52) celebrates after stopping an Atlanta Falcons player during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. trucks Falcons cornerback Darren Hall to score a touchdown during the first half on Sunday. Robinson hit 100 yards rushing for the first time in his career, as Washington once again controlled the time of possession en route to a ground-based victory.
Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis (52) and safety Kamren Curl (31) stop Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (17) during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis (52) takes the field before the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders safety Bobby McCain (20) takes the field before the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) hauls in a pass during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson (1) carries the ball past Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis (52) during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
The Washington Commanders have a winning formula that starts with leading the league in time of possession - almost 33 minutes of ball control per game. Tight end John Bates, who caught a touchdown on Sunday, is a tenacious run blocker.
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) carries the ball for a touchdown during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) hauls in pass during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) carries the ball past Washington Commanders safety Darrick Forrest (22) during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders safety Darrick Forrest (22) stops an airborne Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders safety Darrick Forrest (22) stops an airborne Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown (2) celebrates his first down during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders place kicker Joey Slye (6) waves to the fans after scoring three points during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson (24) carries the ball past Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Timmy Horne (93) and cornerback Darren Hall (34) during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) carries the ball past Washington Commanders safety Bobby McCain (20) and defensive end Casey Toohill (95) during the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Jason Wright, President of the Washington Commanders, center, gives remark as Tim Hightower, Director Of Alumni Relations at Washington Commanders, looks on before honoring the late Sean Taylor with a permanent mannequin installation before a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Family, fans and Commanders officials honor the late Sean Taylor with a permanent installation before a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Family, fans and Commanders officials honor the late Sean Taylor with a permanent mannequin installation before a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Jackie Taylor, the daughter of the late Sean Taylor, takes a moment as she gives remarks after the Commanders honored her late father with a permanent mannequin installation before a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Family, fans and Commanders officials honor the late Sean Taylor with a permanent installation before a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Jackie Taylor, the daughter of the late Sean Taylor, applauds after the Commanders honored her late father with a permanent mannequin installation before a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) takes the field before the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders fans celebrate after a roughing the kicker call int he fourth quarter of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) shakes hands with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) after a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
A Washington Commanders fan celebrates after a Kendall Fuller interception to seal the game during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders tight end John Bates (87) celebrates his touchdown catch from quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) celebrates after a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) embraces Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) after a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) celebrates a Bates touchdown during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) gets stopped by the Commanders defenders during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) celebrates after a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) carries the ball as Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) defends during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) looks to make a pass during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders tight end John Bates (87) celebrates his touchdown catch from quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) embraces a Atlanta Falcons coach after a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders safety Darrick Forrest (22) does a back flip after a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders defenders celebrate their interception during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) with help from Washington Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill (95) during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) make a touchdown pass to tight end John Bates (87) during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Taylor Heinicke is now 5-1-1 as Washington’s starting quarterback this season.
Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis (52) takes the field before the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller (29) intercepts a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) in the fourth quarter of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) with help from Washington Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill (95) during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders cornerback Christian Holmes (34) takes the field before the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) embraces Atlanta Falcons linebacker Lorenzo Carter (9) after a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
A Washington Commanders fan celebrates after a Kendall Fuller interception to seal the game during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) with help from Washington Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill (95) during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) celebrates after a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) with help from Washington Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill (95) during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders safety Darrick Forrest (22) does a back flip after a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) gets stopped by the Commanders defenders during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) with help from Washington Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill (95) during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) makes a pass as Washington Commanders defensive tackles John Ridgeway (91) and Jonathan Allen (93) pressure him during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders running back Jonathan Williams (41) carries the ball as Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins (32) defends during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) with help from Washington Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill (95) during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) with help from Washington Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill (95) during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders cornerback Christian Holmes (34) takes the field before the first half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) makes a play adjustment during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) carries the ball as Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) tries to bring him down during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill (95) celebrates his sack during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) with help from Washington Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill (95) during the second half of a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
