The Falcons win over the Raiders on Monday Night Football was the least inspiring win Atlanta fans have seen in quite a long time.
The old adage “never apologize for a win” in the NFL is generally true, but this is different. The Falcons aren’t going to catch the Buccaneers in the NFC South. They’re not going to capture a Wild Card berth. And even if one of those improbable scenarios comes to fruition, they’ll be a lamb to slaughter in the first round of the playoffs.
They aren’t a good football team, struggling to score with a $180 million quarterback. The win over the Raiders is more about Las Vegas being arguably the worst team in the league. Spare me the “It’s hard to win in the NFL” crap. The Raiders suck, and the Falcons managed to only score 15 points despite blocking two punts, forcing two turnovers, and the offense’s average starting field position being near midfield.
Though the Falcons are just one game behind the Buccaneers, if you watched this team over the last month, you can understand my pessimism. They don’t trust their quarterback, and it’s painfully obvious.
Four of the club’s 11 drives began on the Raiders’ side of the field, and the Falcons only scored one touchdown. They literally didn’t take a snap inside of the red zone; mind you, this is a terrible defense that was missing their best player in Maxx Crosby. Half of those drives started inside of the 40-yard line, and they only mustered three total points.
Even coming out of half, Avery Williams brought the second half kickoff near midfield, and Cousins threw an interception on the very next play. Nothing is easy for the Falcons offense when Kirk Cousins is dropping back to pass. He leads the league in interceptions, and Zac Robinson clearly is limited by his quarterback.
The announcers last night were saying the same things that fans have been saying over the last month. Something is wrong with Kirk Cousins.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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