Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson, who was drafted in the first round as a wide receiver, caught touchdown passes of 42, 12 and 14 yards to help the Falcons build a 23-19 lead Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
On their first possession of the second quarter, quarterback Matt Ryan caught Washington safety Bobby McCain looking into the backfield. When McCain came up to stop the run, Patterson slipped behind the defense for his first touchdown catch to make it 10-0.
The Falcons had a 11-play, 75-yard drive. Patterson made a nifty inside move on safety Landon Collins and then powered his way into the end zone. The Falcons led 17-13 at halftime.
Washington’s DeAndre Carter started off the second half with a 101-kickoff return for a touchdown.
Falcons rookie safety Richie Grant got his arms around Carter, but he ran threw the tackle attempt and race up the left side of the field for the touchdown. The extra point was missed as Washington to a 19-17 lead.
The Falcons answered with Patterson’s third touchdown grab. He ran a fade route and high-pointed the ball over Washington cornerback Kendall Fuller. The Falcons’ two-point conversion was unsuccessful to make the 23-19.
Patterson had a total of four touchdowns over the pass two seasons with Chicago.
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