In a matchup that felt like a blast from the past, the Atlanta Falcons ground out a much-needed 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football. The victory snapped Atlanta’s four-game losing streak and kept their playoff hopes alive in the highly competitive NFC South.
Rookie Running Back Bijan Robinson Leads the Way
The Falcons leaned heavily on their rookie sensation Bijan Robinson, who churned out 125 tough yards on 22 carries. The first-year back out of Texas showed why he was a first-round pick, consistently moving the chains and wearing down the Raiders defense as the game progressed.
According to a team source, the game plan was to “ride Bijan as much as possible and take the pressure off Kirk.” That strategy proved effective, as quarterback Kirk Cousins had an up-and-down night, completing 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards with one touchdown and one interception. His lone scoring toss came on a beautiful 30-yard strike to star receiver Drake London in the first quarter.
Special Teams and Defense Step Up
While the offense struggled at times, the Falcons got major contributions from their special teams and defensive units. Wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge made his presence felt with a blocked punt and a tipped punt, consistently giving Atlanta excellent field position in the hard-fought battle.
On the defensive side of the ball, edge rusher DeAngelo Malone harassed Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder all night, recording two sacks. Safety Justin Simmons came up with a clutch interception, and the Falcons notched their first safety of the season to help seal the victory.
Mixed Feelings Despite the Win
While the win was crucial for Atlanta’s playoff aspirations, there are still concerns surrounding the team. Just a few weeks ago, the Falcons were sitting at 6-3 with a perfect 4-0 record in the NFC South. However, their four-game skid saw them tumble down the standings, with the surging Tampa Bay Buccaneers now nipping at their heels.
The biggest question mark remains the play of quarterback Kirk Cousins. The veteran signal-caller, who signed a massive $180 million contract in the offseason, has struggled mightily over the past five games, throwing nine interceptions and just one touchdown pass. Head coach Josh McDaniel and offensive coordinator Matt Ryan will need to find a way to get Cousins back on track if the Falcons hope to make any noise in the postseason.
Raiders Continue to Struggle, Eye Top Draft Pick
For the Raiders, the loss was their 10th straight, tying a franchise record set back in 2014. The silver lining for Las Vegas is that they remain in contention for a top-two pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. With a matchup against the 3-11 Jacksonville Jaguars on tap for next week, the Raiders could be one step closer to landing a potential franchise-altering talent.
Despite missing several key players due to injury, including starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell and Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby, the Raiders defense put up a valiant effort. Undrafted rookies Jonah Laulu and Tyree Wilson, along with veteran Adam Butler, combined for three sacks on the night.
Looking Ahead
The Falcons will look to build on this gritty win as they prepare to host the New York Giants next Sunday. With just three games remaining in the regular season, every win is crucial for Atlanta’s playoff hopes.
Meanwhile, the Raiders will aim to play spoiler against the Jaguars in a matchup that could have significant implications for the draft order. As both teams navigate the final stretch of the 2024 season, they’ll need to dig deep and find ways to overcome adversity if they hope to finish on a high note.
