LANDOVER, Md. -- It was the look the Atlanta Falcons wanted. Running back Cordarrelle Patterson was open in the end zone to potentially take the lead Sunday afternoon, with less than a minute to play.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota let the pass go and then the exact opposite of what the Falcons planned for took place. Defensive lineman Daron Payne’s left hand tipped what might have been a touchdown pass into the air. Cornerback Kendall Fuller came diving in, picking it off in front of Patterson.
While one play never truly determines an NFL game, Washington’s 19-13 win over Atlanta hinged at least partially on that one.