The Atlanta Falcons finally put an end to their four-game skid, clawing their way to a narrow 15-9 win against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night. Though they secured the much-needed victory, the performance left much to be desired, as both teams struggled to find any rhythm on offense. Atlanta’s lone touchdown came early, while Las Vegas mounted a late but unsuccessful comeback.
With this win, the Falcons remain one game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the tight NFC South race. Despite walking away with the victory, Atlanta’s lackluster offensive display will be a lingering concern as they move forward.
Falcons Score Early But Fail to Pull Away
The Falcons’ offense got off to a rare bright start, taking the lead on their second possession. Kirk Cousins connected with Drake London for a 30-yard touchdown pass, giving Atlanta an early 7-0 advantage. The drive, which covered 51 yards, ended up being the most productive offensive series of the night for the Falcons.
Unfortunately, that was about it for Atlanta’s offense. Kirk Cousins struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with just 11 completions for a dismal 112 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Atlanta’s inability to capitalize on opportunities kept Las Vegas in the game far longer than expected. Even with two clutch field goals from Younghoe Koo, the Falcons failed to deliver a convincing offensive performance.
The defense, however, made up for the offensive shortcomings by taking advantage of a Raiders team that was forced to rely on third-string quarterback Desmond Ridder.
Ridder’s Slow Start Dooms Raiders’ Effort
With starting quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell sidelined, the Raiders turned to Desmond Ridder, and the results were predictably rough. Ridder began the night ice-cold, completing just 9 of his first 20 passes for a mere 65 yards, zero touchdowns, and an interception.
The Raiders managed only three points across their first ten possessions, unable to move the ball effectively against Atlanta’s defense. Ridder found some life late in the game, rallying the Raiders with a touchdown drive that ended in a 5-yard pass to Ameer Abdullah. That score brought the game to 15-9 with 2:54 remaining, injecting some drama into an otherwise dreary contest.
On the final possession, Ridder had two Hail Mary chances in the closing seconds, but safety Jessie Bates sealed the win for Atlanta with a game-ending interception.
Ridder’s final stat line read 23 completions on 39 attempts for 208 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. While his late surge offered a glimpse of hope, the early inefficiency proved too costly.
Turning Point: A Costly Penalty Extends Atlanta’s Drive
The defining moment of the game came late in the fourth quarter when the Raiders had a chance to get the ball back with time on the clock. Facing third down, Kirk Cousins’ pass intended for tight end Kyle Pitts was tipped by Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane. However, Spillane’s momentum carried him into Cousins, drawing a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty.
Instead of punting with over 2:30 remaining, Atlanta retained possession, forcing Las Vegas to burn their final timeout and valuable clock time. Though the Raiders would still get the ball back, the penalty ensured they had no timeouts and far less time to work with, significantly hampering their late-game push.
Play of the Game: Hodge’s Blocked Punt Sets Up Key Score
In a contest short on highlight-worthy moments, KhaDarel Hodge’s blocked punt in the third quarter proved critical. Moments after Kirk Cousins threw an interception on the first play of the half, Hodge broke through to block A.J. Cole’s punt, giving Atlanta excellent field position.
Although the Falcons failed to fully capitalize with a touchdown, Younghoe Koo nailed a 40-yard field goal to extend the lead to 15-3. That kick ultimately provided the decisive margin in Atlanta’s narrow victory.
Why Atlanta Won
While the Falcons didn’t shine offensively, their defense stepped up when it mattered most. By keeping the Raiders’ third-string quarterback in check for most of the game, Atlanta bought just enough breathing room to hold on for the win. The early touchdown from Kirk Cousins to Drake London provided a critical cushion, and Younghoe Koo’s reliable kicking kept the Falcons ahead.
Atlanta also benefitted from Las Vegas’ own mistakes, including the costly roughing-the-passer penalty and the Raiders’ inability to find any offensive rhythm until the final minutes.
Why Las Vegas Lost
The Raiders’ offensive woes were glaring. Forced to rely on Desmond Ridder, Las Vegas got off to a miserable start, failing to score a touchdown until the final three minutes of the game. Ridder’s early struggles—including an interception and a 32.3 passer rating through three quarters—proved insurmountable.
Despite Ridder’s improved play on the last two drives, the deficit and lack of time were too much to overcome. Combined with the blocked punt and untimely penalties, Las Vegas failed to capitalize on a vulnerable Falcons team.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Falcons will aim to stay competitive in the NFC South as they host the struggling New York Giants (2-11) next Sunday. Atlanta’s offense will need significant improvement to keep pace in the divisional race.
The Raiders, now tied for the NFL’s worst record, will return home to face the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11). With playoff hopes long gone, Las Vegas will look to develop their young players and salvage some positives from a difficult season.
Final Whistle
The Atlanta Falcons secured a scrappy 15-9 win against the Las Vegas Raiders, snapping their losing streak but offering little encouragement offensively. Kirk Cousins’ lone touchdown pass early in the game, a crucial blocked punt by KhaDarel Hodge, and Atlanta’s defensive effort ultimately made the difference. Desmond Ridder’s late-game surge came too late for the Raiders, whose sluggish start sealed their fate. While the Falcons cling to playoff hopes, both teams will need to address glaring weaknesses as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.
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