LAS VEGAS – The Falcons had quarterback Kirk Cousins on a short-leash against the Raiders.
He attempted a season-low 17 passes, while the team leaned on the rushing attack to help them prevail 15-9 over the Raiders on Monday night at Allegiant Stadium.
“We have to find a way to win,” Cousins said. “It’s never easy going on the road and winning in this league. Great to find a way. There were a lot of plays where you look at and say we can be better, I can be better. So, those conversations will happen certainly, but great to find a way.”
In addition to a potent rushing attack, the Falcons’ defense came through with three sacks, six quarterback hits, a safety and 10 tackles for losses.
Also, the special teams blocked a punt, tipped another and blocked an extra point while punter Bradley Pinion kept the Raiders in poor field position.
“Our defense was phenomenal,” Cousins said. “Our special teams were phenomenal. Our run game was strong. We didn’t convert enough third downs really to stay on the field then turned some of those drives into points.”
The Falcons converted 4 of 13 (31%) on third downs.
“The run game was solid,” Cousins said. “It was consistent. We got a lot of different looks from the Raiders. Our (offensive) line and (wide) receivers handled it well. The backs ran hard. Had some great runs. We did lean on it and they did a great job for us tonight.”
Cousins did snap his streak of not throwing a touchdown pass at four games. He connected with Drake London for a 30-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.
“On the touchdown, the corner was a little aggressive,” Cousin said. “He was really anticipating the slant there and when Drake ran the double move, it was the right call. Great play design by (offensive coordinator) Zac (Robinson). Drake make a great play and turned it into six (points).”
London was elated about the touchdowns pass. Cousins last touchdown pass came in the third quarter against the Cowboys on Nov. 3.
“(Raiders cornerback Jack Jones) was looking at Kirk and he sold it,” London said. “He helped me get open. He really ran the route for me. It was amazing to get back in the end zone.”
Cousins gave Jones a hard pump fake. But know he needs to get back on track if the Falcons are going to make a legitimate playoff run.
“I think I can play better,” Cousins said. “I don’t think that’s a mystery. I think the last few weeks I would say I need to play better. That’s when (coach) Raheem (Morris) says it, that’s stating the obvious. Every week you go through your process and plan to play the very best that you can. So, this week will be no different.”
Cousins said he felt fine physically and mentally.
“I think you know it was an interesting game,” Cousins said. “We got some third downs, but we need to convert them. Whether if it was third-and-long situation or if they were big-zone dropping. There were a couple where we just didn’t connect. But if we converted some of those third downs that would have made a big difference in terms of staying on the field and going to get points. Those plays loomed larger in terms of leaving points out there.”
Morris was a bit more direct in assessing Cousins’ play.
“He’s got to play better,” Morris said. “Obviously, you have to go back and look at everything. But he want to play better. He’s go to play better. We have to find a way to get him to play better. ... We’ve got to play better at the quarterback position.”
Morris dodged a question about potentially calling on backup rookie Michael Penix Jr. should Cousins continues poor play.
“We have everybody on our roster for a reason,” Morris said. “Those things will always be discussed. That’s just the nature of the beast in football. It just so heavily talked about at the quarterback position because there is just one guy out there. For us, our mentality is to find a way to win the next game. That’s just the mentality that we are going to have.”
Cousins threw another interception, which gives him a league-leading 16 for the season.
“I think the interception at the start of the second half certainly was poor,” Cousins said. “That’s the part you don’t want to have at all. The defense did a great job of standing up there. Special teams showed up and it didn’t end up hurting us, but it still happened.”
Cousins has a plan to improve before the Falcons face the Giants on Sunday.
“I think it’s always just decision-making so that you’re not putting the ball in harm’s way,” Cousins said. “Not trying to be too aggressive. That’s really the key and protecting the football.”
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