Atlanta Falcons End Losing Streak with Narrow 15-9 Win Over Raiders

After four consecutive losses, the Atlanta Falcons finally found their way back into the win column with a gritty 15-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football. It wasn’t pretty, but at this point in the season, every win counts, especially with just three games remaining.

Kirk Cousins and the Falcons’ offense didn’t exactly light up the scoreboard, but they did enough to secure the much-needed win. The defense also stepped up in a big way, limiting the Raiders’ offense and making crucial plays down the stretch.

Let’s take a closer look at how the Falcons were able to snap their losing streak and what the victory means for their playoff aspirations.

Cousins and London End Falcons’ Touchdown Drought

The Falcons’ offense had been struggling for weeks, and Kirk Cousins had gone an alarming five games without throwing a touchdown pass. The streak was finally snapped in this game, but it wasn’t until the second quarter that the Falcons got on the scoreboard.

Cousins Finds London for a 30-Yard Touchdown

The highlight of the night for the Falcons’ offense came when Cousins threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Drake London. It was a much-needed spark for an offense that had failed to find the end zone in their previous games. For Cousins, the touchdown was especially significant, as it ended his streak of eight interceptions without a touchdown pass.

The touchdown, however, would be the only time the Falcons crossed the goal line. Many of their drives stalled in Raiders territory, forcing them to settle for field goals. Younghoe Koo connected on two of three field goal attempts, but those 13 points would be all the Falcons would manage on offense.

Falcons’ Defense Dominates Raiders’ Struggling Offense

While the Falcons’ offense was far from explosive, it was the defense that truly carried them to victory. The Raiders’ offense, led by quarterback Desmond Ridder (starting in place of the injured Aidan O'Connell), never really got going. Ridder was under constant pressure from the Falcons' defense and was sacked three times during the game.

Falcons’ Defense Shuts Down Raiders’ Running Game

The Falcons were particularly effective against the Raiders' rushing attack, holding them to just 65 total yards on the ground. Running back Sincere McCormick was ruled out with an injury early in the game, leaving the Raiders with limited options in the backfield.

Without a strong ground game to lean on, Ridder was forced to rely on his arm. That didn’t go well. He threw an interception and couldn’t keep the offense moving down the field. The Falcons’ defensive line dominated, and the secondary made key stops throughout the game.

Key Turnovers Seal the Victory

The Falcons were also able to create turnovers, including a fumble by Raiders’ running back Alexander Mattison. These timely turnovers flipped the field and kept the Raiders from gaining any significant momentum.

As the game wound down, the Raiders still had a chance to win it. They were down by six points with just seconds left and needed a touchdown and extra point to pull off a miracle comeback. However, the Falcons’ defense wasn’t about to let that happen.

Jessie Bates III Seals the Win with Game-Clenching Interception

With the game on the line, Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder launched two Hail Mary passes in an attempt to find the end zone. The first pass fell incomplete, and on the second attempt, Falcons star safety Jessie Bates III made a leaping interception to seal the victory for Atlanta.

It was a fitting end to a hard-fought game, as the Falcons’ defense proved to be the difference-maker in the final moments.

Ground Game Key to Falcons’ Success

While the Falcons’ passing game struggled, the ground game was the bright spot for Atlanta. Running back Bijan Robinson was a workhorse, carrying the ball 22 times for 125 yards. His physical running kept the Raiders’ defense on their heels and helped move the ball when needed.

Tyler Allgeier also contributed to the rushing attack, adding 43 yards on 12 carries. Combined, the Falcons ran for 168 yards on the ground—far more than the Raiders could muster through the air or on the ground.

Raiders' Offense Struggles, Led by Ridder

For the Raiders, it was a frustrating night on offense. Ridder completed 23 of 38 passes for 208 yards but threw an interception and was under pressure all game. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers led the team in receiving yards with 59, but it was clear that the Raiders lacked offensive consistency.

Ameer Abdullah was the lone Raider to find the end zone, catching seven passes for 58 yards and accounting for the team’s only touchdown. The Raiders’ offense simply couldn’t get into a rhythm, and the Falcons’ defense took full advantage.

Key Takeaways from the Falcons' Victory

• Kirk Cousins Breaks the Drought: The touchdown pass to Drake London was a major relief for Cousins and the Falcons’ offense, ending a frustrating streak of five games without a touchdown.
• Strong Defensive Performance: The Falcons’ defense was the star of the game, holding the Raiders to just nine points and making key turnovers and stops throughout the game.
• Bijan Robinson’s Impact: Robinson continues to be a dominant force in the Falcons' offense, rushing for over 100 yards in this victory.
• Raiders Struggle to Find Offensive Consistency: The Raiders’ offense was completely out of sync, with Ridder under constant pressure and no consistent rushing attack to lean on.
• Jessie Bates III’s Clutch Play: Bates’ game-ending interception was a reminder of the Falcons' ability to come through in clutch moments.

What’s Next for the Falcons and Raiders?

With the win, the Falcons move to 7-7 and keep their slim playoff hopes alive. They’ll need to continue winning in order to stay in the hunt for a postseason berth, with just three games left in the regular season.

The Raiders, on the other hand, fall to 5-9 and are all but eliminated from playoff contention. They’ll need to regroup and start planning for next season, as their offensive struggles persist.