The Raiders defense kept the game close for four quarters and the offense came alive in the final minutes, but the Silver and Black's comeback bid came up short on Monday Night Football.
Here are some key takeaways and metrics from the 15-9 loss to Atlanta.
Special Teams and Field Position
The Raiders have gotten some key plays from their special teams in recent weeks, including a fake punt conversion and two long kick returns from Ameer Abdullah and Dylan Laube.
On Monday, however, the Silver and Black struggled. The Raiders had a punt and extra point blocked, another punt tipped and a fair catch at the three-yard line which led to a safety two plays later.
"We need all three phases to play well," Head Coach Antonio Pierce said after the game. "Obviously, we struggled losing nine in a row, you can't have those mistakes, and we did today and it was a bad day in office. Bottom line."
Thanks to two takeaways and the aforementioned special teams miscues, the Falcons got great starting field position throughout the game. Despite that, the Raiders defense made life difficult and kept the team within reach of a comeback attempt.
On the Falcons' four drives that began inside Raiders territory, they never made it past the 21-yard line and came away with just six points on two made field goals. They did not take a single offensive snap inside the red zone all game.
Life Without Maxx
One of the major questions entering Monday's game was how the Raiders defense would perform without defensive end Maxx Crosby. The three-time Pro Bowler announced in a social media post over the weekend that he will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury.
In his absence, the Raiders defense recorded three sacks, one interception and held Cousins to 112 passing yards, his fewest in a game since Week 11 of the 2022 season.
Cousins was just 11-of-17 passing and per ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, recorded his first career first half without a pass attempt on first down. In fact, Cousins attempted just one pass on first down all game. It came on the first play from scrimmage of the second half and resulted in Robert Spillane's second interception of the season.
While the Falcons recorded season-lows in pass attempts and completions, they leaned heavily on running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson totaled a season-high 125 rushing yards on 22 attempts (5.7 avg.) and generated +43 rushing yards over expected, his most in a game this season. Atlanta, as a team, rushed 37 times for 168 yards (4.54 avg.).
The Raiders, meanwhile, struggled to run the ball, tallying just 65 yards on 22 carries (3.0 avg.). Starting running back Sincere McCormick left the game with an injury after recording eight yards on seven attempts. Ridder finished the game as the team's leading rusher (five carries for 28 yards).
Numbers to Know
Spillane is now one of five players in the NFL with 100+ tackles and 2+ interceptions. He is tied for first among linebackers with two interceptions.
Rookie defensive tackle Jonah Laulu recorded his first career sack and added a pass defensed. It's just the fifth time in Raiders history (since 1999) that a defensive lineman recorded a sack and a pass defensed in the same game. Maxx Crosby (Week 17 of 2019) was the last Raider to accomplish the feat.
As a team, the Raiders' 12 sacks over the past three weeks are tied for the fourth most in the NFL in that span. Sixteen different players have now recorded at least a half-sack for the Raiders this season. It is the most players with at least a half-sack in Raiders history in a single season and is also tied for the second-most players with a sack involvement in the NFL in 2024, behind only the Ravens (17).
Ameer Abdullah recorded a career-high 58 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.
Jakobi Meyers surpassed 800 receiving yards for the fourth-straight season, becoming one of only nine undrafted players in NFL history to record four-straight seasons or more with 800+ receiving yards.
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.
