DEFCON 5

If there was a game Kirk Cousins needs right now, it’s this one. He needs it desperately. While they remain only one game behind the Bucs, they have been in quite a slump, as they’ve lost five of the last seven games. Kirk Cousins has yet to throw a TD pass in the last five games, which is a problem when you’re playing QB. They have weapons too, Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Bijan Robinson, even seldomly used Kyle Pitts can play. So, what’s the problem? It’s looking more and more like Cousins may be the issue here, but let’s see how he handles this game. Atlanta is a top 10 offensive team in the league, so they have some proven ability, but they have really started to slide at the wrong time. Cousins is going to have to put on a career day to quell the rumors of his demise and to keep Atlanta on track for hopefully making the playoffs. All of this starts with a win, and when you have lost four straight, it’s hard to find that light in the dark tunnel. Hopefully, they will keep feeling around in the dark until they find that light switch that leads them to a playoff berth.

The Raiders have had a tumultuous season. It’s just been all over the place for them. I don’t believe this is Antonio Pierce’s fault either, I just believe the Raiders truly have a bad front office and lacking roster. It’s hard to win games with that being your home base. One thing Pierce will want is his guys playing hard. It doesn’t matter if they are eliminated, put a product out on the field that you’re proud of. That’s all they can do at this point. I don’t know who will be starting at QB between Aiden O’Connell or Desmond Ridder, but I’m not sure how much difference that will make this game. The only positive for the Raiders is their ability to play defense, and how bad the Falcons are struggling. If they can get ahead early and make Cousins uncomfortable, they may have a path to victory. Keep Cousins in a tentative groove and try and get something going on offense, as they are 25th in the league in total offense. I actually like the Raiders at home, just because they’ve had some close games against tough opponents and because this may be it for Kirk Cousins. We shall see though.

POSTGAME:

The Falcons ended their four-game losing streak, and Kirk Cousins has finally thrown a TD pass. I’m really happy for them, and for him, as they desperately needed this win or their season was essentially over. Cousins, while not a Hall of Fame performance, put up 117 yards on 11/17 throws for 1 TD and 1 INT. Bijan Robinson was an animal tonight, tallying for 125 yards on 22 carries. The Falcons won by intercepting a Hail Mary, but it doesn’t matter how they did it, because all that matters is they did it. Their season lives one.

Disappointing for the Raiders at home, who fell by just 8 points in this 15-9 battle. While they did not win, Desmond Ridder, who they had starting at QB tonight, played pretty well. He was 23/39 for 208 yards, 1 TD, and 2 INTs. It’s not perfect, but they were moving the ball a little, which is a positive for the 26th ranked offense. Unfortunate loss, could’ve had that one.