LAS VEGAS — The Atlanta Falcons snapped their four-game dropping streak and saved their hopes of successful the NFC South alive Monday night time after their 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. However the crew nonetheless has a evident concern: its quarterback play.
Kirk Cousins was 11-of-17 for 112 yards with one landing and one interception in a recreation the Falcons leaned closely on their dashing assault. Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier mixed for 34 carries.
Cousins has 9 interceptions in his previous 5 video games with only a single landing cross throughout that span. His first-quarter, 30-yard lob to broad receiver Drake London was his first landing cross since Week 9 — when the Falcons have been 6-3 and accountable for their division.
“He is bought to play higher and clearly, you bought to return, you bought to get to have a look at every part,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris stated. “However he desires to play higher. He is bought to play higher. We have got to discover a option to get him to play higher.”
Morris didn’t say he was able to make a change at quarterback. The Falcons drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth total decide within the NFL draft in April, just a few weeks after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million free-agent contract.
Atlanta (7-7) targeted so closely on the operating recreation that Cousins didn’t throw on first down within the first half. It was the primary time that has occurred in his 13-year profession.
Cousins threw two interceptions towards the Minnesota Vikings final week, however had 344 yards by the air. These large performs weren’t there towards the Raiders and the Falcons went 4-of-13 on third down.
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Morris stated Cousins confirmed enchancment towards the Vikings, coming off a four-interception efficiency towards the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13. When requested if Monday was an enchancment or regression for him, Cousins stated it was “a bit of of each” and the most important concern for him proper now could be “decision-making.”
“So that you simply’re not placing the ball in hurt’s approach and never attempting to be too aggressive,” Cousins stated. “And I feel that is actually the important thing. Shield the soccer.”
It was the fewest variety of interceptions he has thrown in three video games and Cousins had no fumbles. He leads the league in each classes — 16 and 12 (tied with Baker Mayfield), respectively. However actually, the outing was less than his requirements, both.
When Cousins was requested about Morris’ remarks that he wanted to play higher, the quarterback stated: “I do not suppose that is a thriller.”
“I feel the previous couple of weeks I’d say I have to play higher,” Cousins stated. “Raheem says it, nevertheless it’s stating the apparent, and each week you form of undergo your course of and you propose to go on the market and play the easiest you possibly can. And so, this week shall be no completely different.”
