Falcons end 4-game losing streak in well-deserved win over Raiders

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The Atlanta Falcons' losing streak finally came to an end, as Kirk Cousins ​​​​& Co. picked up a well-deserved victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, 15-9, on Monday night.

Atlanta improves to 7-7 on the year, which is huge considering the tight race in the NFC South right now. Meanwhile, the Raiders continue to fall to 2-12.

It wasn't the greatest of wins, but at this stage of the season, with three games remaining after this one, a win is a win.

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Drake London and Darnell Mooney celebrate

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) celebrates with wide receiver Darnell Mooney (1) after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images)

The Falcons offense didn't get the performance it might have wanted, but at least Cousins ​​threw his first touchdown for the first time in five games.

It was Drake London who completed a 30-yard pass to put Atlanta first on the board, ending a streak where Cousins ​​had eight interceptions for zero touchdowns thrown.

But that was the only time the Falcons were able to find the end zone, as many drives stopped in Raiders territory, leading to field goal attempts by Younghoe Koo.

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Koo was 2 of 3 on his attempts, but that would only result in 13 points on offense.

On defense, the Falcons were making their way with Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder starting against his former team in place of the injured Aidan O'Connell.

With the Falcons shutting down the running game — they allowed 65 total yards the entire game, with Sincere McCormick ruled out due to injury early on — Ridders was forced to throw, and he threw an interception while being sacked three times.

Atlanta also managed to fumble Alexander Mattison, as they continued to play to turn the field over.

Desmond Ridder runs

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

But this game, while tough, ultimately came down to the final play in Ridder's hands, as Las Vegas had the ball down six points, needing a touchdown and an extra point to win it.

Ridder threw two Hail Marys in the end zone, but the first fell incomplete and Falcons star safety Jessie Bates III was the recipient of the last to secure the victory.

So on the stat sheet, Cousins ​​was just 11 of 17 with 112 yards. He also threw another interception to go along with his touchdown.

For the Falcons, the ground game was superior, with Bijan Robinson carrying it 22 times for 125 yards and Tyler Allgeier adding 43 yards on 12 carries.

Kirk Cousins ​​passes

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​(18) throws the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

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As for the Raiders, Jakobi Meyers was the leader in receiving yards with 59, accounting for much of Ridder's 208 yards on 23-of-38 passing. Ameer Abdullah, the Raiders' lone touchdown scorer, also had seven catches for 58 yards.

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