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Falcons get past Raiders | Jefferson City News-Tribune


Falcons get past Raiders | Jefferson City News-Tribune

LAS VEGAS -- Kirk Cousins threw his first touchdown pass in five weeks and the Atlanta Falcons did just enough Monday night to beat the struggling Las Vegas Raiders 15-9 and keep pace in the NFC South race.

Trying to pull off a late comeback, Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder lofted two desperation passes into the end zone in the final 10 seconds. The first was incomplete and the second was intercepted by Jessie Bates III.

The Falcons (7-7) ended a four-game losing streak to remain a game behind the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Atlanta owns the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Las Vegas (2-12) lost its 10th consecutive game, the NFL's longest active skid, and is tied with the New York Giants for the league's worst record. It is the fifth-longest skid in Raiders history, and worst since dropping 16 in a row a decade ago.

Cousins entered with no touchdown passes and eight interceptions during his previous four starts, raising questions about whether rookie Michael Penix Jr. would take over at quarterback. Falcons coach Raheem Morris stuck by Cousins -- who signed a four-year, $180-million contract this year -- ahead of the eighth overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Cousins did little to assuage concerns about his play, passing for just 112 yards with an interception. His 30-yard pass to Drake London with 14 seconds left in the first quarter to put Atlanta ahead 7-0 was his first touchdown toss since firing three of them Nov. 3 in a 27-21 victory against the Cowboys

The Falcons got the rest of their scoring on two field goals from Younghoe Koo and a safety by defensive lineman Zach Harrison.

On Sunday, the Falcons host the Giants and the Raiders host the Jaguars.

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