Ian Maule/Getty Images
The Atlanta Falcons left Las Vegas with a 15-9 win over the Raiders, but it wasn’t exactly one that will inspire confidence in fans heading into a crucial stretch to close out the season.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins’ struggles continued in the win. Though he picked up his first passing touchdown since Nov. 3, he had just 112 passing yards, a touchdown and an interception on 11-of-17 assing. Aside from a first-quarter touchdown, all of Atlanta’s points came off of field goals and a safety.
The Falcons’ defense performed well, but that’s not much to marvel at given they were facing one of the worst offenses in the NFL this year.
After the game, fans voiced their frustrations with Cousins as some fans called for rookie quarterback Micheal Penix to take over under center.
B/R Gridiron @brgridiron
Kirk Cousins has 9 INTS in his last 5 games 😅
𝑺𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒕 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒌 🏈🇬🇪🇺🇦🇱🇻🇺🇸 @CarasikS
This was supposed to be a Kirk Cousins confidence game. But I guess it’s a Younghoe Koo confidence game.
Jason McIntyre @jasonrmcintyre
Kirk cousins has 95 passing yards entering the 4th quarter
The game is being played indoors.
Vs a team with two wins
Missing its best defensive playerTime to see Penix
Rise Up Reader @RiseUpReader
Kirk Cousins is a sunk cost.
This offense has severely regressed and has no life.
There is no reason beyond optics to not play Michael Penix.
Skrip @P2WFantasy
It’s time for Kirk Cousins to be benched for the rest of the year
Enough is enough
Develop your rookie QB
Schlasser @UrinatingTree
Kirk Cousins threw a touchdown? It’s been so long I forgot what that was like.
Deeg @DeegSports
Bijan Robinson now has more rushing yards (112) than Kirk Cousins has passing yards (106) pic.twitter.com/aoe4prvlfM
Courtney @CourtsSports0
I find it really hard to believe that Michael Penix isn’t better than Kirk Cousins
He’s so washed, it’s unbelievable
Derek Brown @DBro_FFB
ATL has done everything they can to hide Kirk Cousins…give it up…
It is Michael Penix time. Do it.
The sentiment was different for Raiders fans, who appeared to be happy with a loss as they try to “tank for Shedeur (Sanders).”
FOX Sports: NFL @NFLonFOX
Raiders fans are something else 😂 pic.twitter.com/a11kBX0oeE
The Falcons improved to 7-7 with the win but still have a ways to go to keep their playoff hopes alive. Atlanta will need to win its remaining three games against the New York Giants, Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers to potentially snap a six-season postseason drought.
While that schedule looks somewhat manageable, it’s hard to imagine the Falcons can win three in a row with the way they’ve been playing.
