Falcons vs Raiders recap/ NFC South race/ Kirk Cousins struggles/ Jessie Bates III interception/ Bijan Robinson performance/ Raiders losing streak/ LAS VEGAS/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Atlanta Falcons narrowly defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 15-9, snapping a four-game losing streak and maintaining their position in the NFC South playoff race. Kirk Cousins threw a touchdown pass, while Jessie Bates III sealed the win with a late-game interception. The Raiders’ struggles continued, marking their 10th straight loss.
Falcons’ Narrow Win Over Raiders: Quick Looks
- Final Score: Falcons 15, Raiders 9.
- Playoff Implications: Atlanta remains one game behind the NFC South-leading Buccaneers.
- Key Moment: Jessie Bates III intercepted Desmond Ridder’s pass in the end zone to secure the victory.
- Kirk Cousins’ Struggles: Passed for only 112 yards and one touchdown, with another interception.
- Bijan Robinson’s Impact: Rushed for 125 yards, keeping the Falcons’ offense alive.
- Raiders’ Slump: Suffered their 10th consecutive loss, tied for the league’s worst record.
- Missed Opportunities: Raiders failed on late-game attempts to score, sealing their fate.
Falcons Hold Off Raiders 15-9, Stay in NFC South Race
Deep Look
The Atlanta Falcons narrowly avoided a costly setback in their playoff pursuit with a 15-9 victory over the struggling Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night. The win ended a four-game losing streak and kept the Falcons (7-7) within one game of the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Game Recap
Kirk Cousins, under scrutiny for his recent performances, delivered an uneven outing with just 112 passing yards and one touchdown. His 30-yard throw to a wide-open Drake London in the first quarter marked his first scoring pass in over a month.
Despite his struggles, Cousins acknowledged the need to improve, stating, “It’s stating the obvious.”
The Falcons also relied on their defense, which stifled the Raiders’ offense throughout the game. Defensive lineman Zach Harrison added to the scoring with a safety, while Younghoe Koo contributed two critical field goals.
Jessie Bates III’s Heroics
The game’s defining moment came in the final seconds when Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder launched two desperate end-zone passes, aiming for a comeback win. The first was incomplete, and the second was intercepted by Falcons safety Jessie Bates III, preserving Atlanta’s victory.
“Our defense stepped up when it mattered most,” said Falcons coach Raheem Morris.
Offensive Standouts
Raiders’ Struggles Continue
For the Raiders (2-12), the loss extended their losing streak to 10 games, the longest active skid in the NFL. Ridder, filling in for injured starter Aidan O’Connell, threw for 208 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions but struggled to generate consistent offense.
Las Vegas also faced a depleted roster, with defensive star Maxx Crosby out for the season due to ankle surgery and running back Sincere McCormick exiting early with an ankle injury. Despite these challenges, the Raiders nearly rallied late in the game, only to fall short.
“We just couldn’t find a rhythm until it was too late,” Ridder said.
Playoff Implications
The win keeps Atlanta firmly in the playoff race, with a favorable schedule ahead. They face two teams with a combined five wins and a critical matchup against the Washington Commanders. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay holds a similarly manageable path to the postseason, keeping the NFC South race tight.
For the Raiders, the focus shifts to the 2024 NFL Draft, where they are in contention for the top overall pick. Their struggles highlight the challenges of rebuilding under interim coach Antonio Pierce.
What’s Next
The Falcons return home to face the New York Giants on Sunday, while the Raiders will host the Jacksonville Jaguars. Atlanta will aim to build on this win and continue their playoff push, while Las Vegas looks to end its extended losing streak.
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