BIG IMPRESSION
The Raiders dropped their tenth straight game due to a series of special teams blunders and squandered opportunities. Despite allowing three blocked kicks—two on punts and another on an extra point – the Raiders had a chance to win with two throws into the end zone in the final minute. Although the offense scored just three points on their first ten possessions, Desmond Ridder rallied the unit on the final possessions, finishing 13-of-18 for 135 with a touchdown and an interception. It was too late for a team that lacked confidence and precise execution in the clutch.
KEYS TO VICTORY
It is hard to overcome special teams errors in a league where most games are decided by eight points or fewer. With the Falcons blocking a pair of punts and an extra point, the short fields and altered momentum put the Raiders behind the eight ball. Throw in the offense's woes with a backup quarterback struggling to find his rhythm; the Raiders spent most of the game trying to overcome a double-digit lead. While the team's effort and competitiveness are admirable, it is hard to settle for moral victories.
RIDDER'S ROLE
After a slow start (completed 9-of-20 passes for 65 yards with zero touchdowns and an interception) that led to the offense scoring just three points on its first 10 possessions, Ridder found his rhythm and rallied the team back in the fourth quarter. His pinpoint throws and sound judgment sparked an effort that nearly helped the Raiders steal a win in the waning moments. While the rally should give the young quarterback some confidence heading into next week if Aidan O'Connell is still injured, the Raiders need their backup quarterback to play better to knock off a quality opponent down the stretch.
UNSUNG HERO
Robert Spillane continues to impress as a tackling machine with exceptional range and instincts as a sideline-to-sideline defender. The veteran finished with eight tackles and an interception as the designated playmaker in the middle of the Raiders defense. Though the spectacular effort did not produce a winning result, the Raiders have a gem in No. 41.
OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING
It is rare to win a game in the NFL with just nine points on the scoreboard. The Raiders found out the hard way against the Falcons that it takes more to knock off a potential playoff contender. Part of the Raiders' slow start on offense can be attributed to Ridder's struggles, but the lack of a consistent running game put too much of the burden on the third-string quarterback. Without a balanced approach to alleviate the pressure on the quarterback, the Raiders could not pull off an upset that was within their grasp.
DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING
Hats off to the defense for playing lights out for 60 minutes. The unit bullied and harassed Kirk Cousins, resulting in a woeful performance that enabled the Raiders to stay in the game with minimal contributions from the offense. Though the defense surrendered too many yards on the ground (the Falcons rushed for 168 yards on 37 rush attempts), the unit made enough plays to put the Raiders in a position to win at the end.
View the best photos from the Raiders' Week 15 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo's (5) cleats in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane's (41) cleats in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer's (53) cleats in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler's (69) cleats in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson's (44) cleats in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson's (9) cleats in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube's (23) cleats in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze's (71) cleats in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson's (2) cleats in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
The locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Monday Night Football signage around Allegiant Stadium before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (91) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerbacks coach Ricky Manning Jr. arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Ramel Keyton (82) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Assistant General Manager Champ Kelly arrives to the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive line coach Rob Leonard before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Trey Taylor (37) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders assistant tight ends coach Mitch Singler and tight end Harrison Bryant (84) before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams unit huddles before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Carter Bradley (14) and tight end Brock Bowers (89) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. (80) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) signs autographs for fans before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) walks down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) runs down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Ramel Keyton (82) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) walks down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) and quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce before the Raiders' regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) and defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
A view of Allegiant Stadium before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) warming up before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) as the team is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (45) as the team is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) as the team is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) as the team is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and punter AJ Cole (6) during the coin toss before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Carter Bradley (14) during the national anthem before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the national anthem before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Justin Shorter (88) during the national anthem before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the national anthem before the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) receives the snap during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) looks for a receiver during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) punts during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) receives the snap during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) runs during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick a 52-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) celebrates after kicking a 52-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) celebrates after breaking up a pass during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) pressures the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) and safety Thomas Harper (34) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after linebacker Robert Spillane (41) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) runs after recovering a fumble during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) runs during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) rushes during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) passes during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) looks for a receiver during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) eyes the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) celebrates after making a tackle during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) pressures the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) celebrates on the field during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Burney (56) pressures the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Thomas Harper (34) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (45) and safety Chris Smith II (29) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) passes during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) runs during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) makes a 5-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) makes a 5-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) dives into the end zone after making a 5-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) dives into the end zone after making a 5-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) dives into the end zone after making a 5-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) break up a pass during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) celebrates after breaking up a pass during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) celebrate after breaking up a pass during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium.
