ATLANTA (AP) — While the Washington Commanders’ offense rolled even with Jayden Daniels out with a left knee injury, the Atlanta Falcons and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. fell flat in last week’s shutout loss at Carolina.

Daniels and his fill-in, former Atlanta quarterback Marcus Mariota, have the support of an unquestioned commitment to the running game as the Commanders (2-1) prepare to visit the Falcons (1-2) on Sunday. Mariota ran and threw for touchdowns in a 41-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders last week.

The Commanders are averaging 157.3 yards on the ground, second in the NFL to the Buffalo Bills.

The Falcons are sixth with 139.3 rushing yards per game but haven’t provided the same consistent run support for Penix. Days after coach Raheem Morris said running back Bijan Robinson

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