Falcons Grind Out Ugly Win Over Raiders to Snap Losing Streak
LAS VEGAS — Monday night wasn’t exactly a showcase of offensive fireworks, but the Atlanta Falcons found a way to get the job done. Behind a dominant ground game from Bijan Robinson and some clutch special teams play from KhaDarel Hodge, the Falcons eked out a gritty 15-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. It wasn’t pretty, but it was enough to snap a four-game losing streak and keep Atlanta’s playoff hopes alive.
Robinson was the star of the night, racking up 125 yards on 22 carries. His ability to move the chains on the ground helped mask the ongoing struggles of quarterback Kirk Cousins, who had another underwhelming performance. Cousins completed just 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. That lone touchdown came on a 30-yard strike to wide receiver Drake London in the first quarter, a play that ultimately proved to be the game-winner.
Special teams were the unsung heroes for Atlanta. Hodge was a menace, blocking one punt and tipping another, giving the Falcons a crucial edge in the field-position battle. Punter Bradley Pinion was also instrumental, pinning the Raiders inside their own 10-yard line four times, including twice inside the 5. On defense, edge rusher DeAngelo Malone recorded two sacks, and safety Justin Simmons snagged an interception. The Falcons even notched their first safety of the season, a rare highlight in a game that felt like a throwback to a bygone era of low-scoring slugfests.
Falcons Back to .500, But Questions Remain
With the win, the Falcons improved to 7-7, pulling themselves back to .500 and tying their win total from the last three seasons. More importantly, they remain in the thick of the NFC playoff race. But let’s not sugarcoat it—this victory didn’t exactly inspire confidence. Atlanta started the season strong, sitting at 6-3 with a perfect 4-0 record in the NFC South. However, a four-game skid nearly derailed their season, and Monday’s win over the struggling Raiders (2-12) did little to suggest the Falcons are ready to make a deep playoff run.
The biggest concern? Kirk Cousins. The veteran quarterback has thrown nine interceptions in his last five games, compared to just one touchdown pass. On Monday, the Falcons’ game plan seemed designed to minimize Cousins’ impact, as he didn’t attempt a single first-down pass in the first half—a first in his career. While that strategy worked against the Raiders, it’s not a sustainable solution, especially for a quarterback Atlanta invested $180 million in during the offseason.
Special Teams Shine in Sloppy Game
For all the offensive struggles, the Falcons’ special teams unit deserves a standing ovation. Here’s a quick breakdown of their standout performances:
- KhaDarel Hodge: Blocked one punt and tipped another, flipping the field in Atlanta’s favor.
- Bradley Pinion: Pinned the Raiders inside their 10-yard line four times, including two punts inside the 5.
- Kevin King: Blocked an extra point, keeping the Raiders from gaining momentum.
In a game where points were at a premium, these plays made all the difference. The Falcons’ defense also stepped up, with Malone’s two sacks and Simmons’ interception providing key stops. But let’s not forget the pivotal safety, which gave Atlanta a 9-3 lead and some much-needed breathing room.
Raiders’ Nightmare Season Continues
On the other side of the field, the Raiders’ season went from bad to worse. Monday’s loss marked their 10th straight defeat, tying their longest in-season losing streak since 2014. At 2-12, Las Vegas is now tied with the New York Giants for the worst record in the NFL, putting them in prime position for a top-two draft pick.
Injuries have decimated the Raiders, who were without their top two quarterbacks and Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby. To make matters worse, running back Sincere McCormick exited the game in the second quarter with an ankle injury. Despite these setbacks, the Raiders’ defensive line showed some fight, recording three sacks, including the first career sack for undrafted rookie Jonah Laulu.
Looking Ahead
The Falcons will look to build on this win when they host the New York Giants on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Raiders face the Jacksonville Jaguars in what could be a battle for the No. 1 overall pick. For Atlanta, the focus will be on finding consistency, particularly at quarterback. For Las Vegas, it’s all about evaluating young talent and preparing for the future.
One thing is clear: both teams have plenty of work to do.
Originally Written by: Marc Raimondi
