The Falcons special teams and defense allowed the team to leave Las Vegas as winners.
Atlanta tipped a punt, blocked a punt, blocked an extra point, recorded a safety, had four sacks and forced three turnovers in a 15-9 win over the Raiders. The Falcons ended a four-game losing streak, moving to 7-7 while remaining on the Bucs’ heels in the NFC South. Las Vegas lost a 10th game in a row to fall to 2-12.
The Falcons offense gained only 261 yards and scored only 13 points despite crossing midfield on eight possessions. Younghoe Koo missed a 42-yard field goal, and Kirk Cousins threw an interception as the Falcons failed to put away the hapless Raiders.
Las Vegas had two Hail Mary passes to try to win the game, but Falcons safety Jessie Bates ended it on the final play with a pick of Desmond Ridder. The backup quarterback, starting in place of injured starter Aidan O’Connell, had two interceptions, and running back Alexander Mattison lost a fumble.
Mattison also was tackled in the end zone by Atlanta defensive lineman Zach Harrison for a safety after Bradley Pinion’s punt pinned the Raiders at the 3 to start a drive.
Ridder was 23-of-39 for 208 yards with a touchdown and two picks. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers had only three catches for 35 yards, and Mattison had 21 yards on seven carries. Jakobi Meyers caught five passes for 59 yards.
Cousins’ struggles continued, though he did throw his first touchdown pass since Week 9. He went 11-of-17 for 112 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Bijan Robinson rushed for 125 yards on 22 carries, and Drake London caught three passes for 53 yards and a touchdown.
