ATLANTA — The first quarter or so of the season is over, and the Washington Commanders are the football equivalent of a playground seesaw. They have appeared dominant, then listless. A defensive juggernaut, then a sieve. Unimpeded by a slew of key injuries, then undone by them.

After their 34-27 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday afternoon, the Commanders spoke with a twinge of disappointment and talked repeatedly about needing to watch the film. They were frustrated at allowing 435 yards to Michael Penix Jr. and company, frustrated at the offensive inefficiencies on third downs and the middling start to a second consecutive loss away from home.

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