Commanders WATCH: TE John Bates Scores 1st TD of Season; Washington Retakes Lead vs. Atlanta
Washington Commanders tight end John Bates only has 12 catches in as many games this season, but none were as important as his touchdown grab against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter.
The touchdown pass from Taylor Heinicke - his second of the day - helped put the Commanders back in front against the Falcons to break a 10-10 tie.
Here's a look at the touchdown ...
Bates, a second-year pro out of Boise State, was a fourth-round selection last season. Primarily a blocking tight end, Bates doesn't get involved all that much as a receiver, but when he does, it adds more depth and versatility to the Commanders offense.
The touchdown marked Bates' first of the season. The last time he scored - his first NFL touchdown - came in Week 16 last season in a blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
A pretty significant development happened after the touchdown, as kicker Joey Slye missed the extra point in the rain. That means the Commanders hold just a six-point lead and open the door for the Falcons to take a lead with a touchdown and extra point.
On the ensuing drive, Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo nailed a 48-yard field goal to cut the Atlanta deficit in half.
The Commanders hold a 16-13 lead late in the third quarter.
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