The Atlanta Falcons earned their first win after a four-game losing streak, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 15-9 on Monday night. Bijan Robinson led the way with 125 yards on 22 carries, while special teams play was crucial for the Falcons’ victory.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins struggled against the Raiders, completing just 11-of-17 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown pass. However, he found wide receiver Drake London for a 30-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, which proved to be the decisive factor in the game.
Specialists like KhaDarel Hodge had key plays on special teams, blocking a punt and tipping another, helping the Falcons gain field position when it was needed most. Edge rusher DeAngelo Malone had two sacks, safety Justin Simmons had an interception, and the team earned their first safety of the season.
The win marked the Falcons’ return to .500, with seven wins in 14 games, tied with their previous three-season total. However, fans may be cautious about the team’s performance due to Cousins’ struggles, which have led to nine interceptions over the past five games.
Cousins’ issues remain a concern, and limiting his pass attempts as much as possible was not a long-term solution. The Falcons’ strategy seemed to focus on minimizing Cousins’ throws, especially in crucial situations. Although this approach worked against the Raiders, it is unlikely to be sustainable moving forward.
In contrast, the Las Vegas Raiders continued their losing streak, dropping their 10th game in a row and staying on pace for a top-two draft pick. The team faces a tough road ahead, with injuries decimating their roster and a depleted defense struggling to stop opponents.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43012704/nfl-week-15-las-vegas-raiders-atlanta-falcons-monday-night-football