1. QB1 "fighting his tail off" for Monday night
Questions still loom at who will be the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders this Monday.
Aidan O'Connell suffered a knee injury last Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which has resulted in him missing Thursday and Friday's practices. While the expectation is that Desmond Ridder steps into the starting role if O'Connell can't go, Head Coach Antonio Pierce is giving No. 12 every opportunity to recover and be ready for the Atlanta Falcons.
"[H]e's coming along," Pierce said Friday of O'Connell's status. "He's fighting his tail off in there with our trainers and doing a good job there. And listen, he's a warrior. He wants to play. So if he has opportunity to play, he'll play."
2. Next man up
With the possibility of Ridder filling the shoes of QB comes an additional storyline of a matchup with his former team.
The Atlanta Falcons selected the former Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback with the 74th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Over the course of two seasons, he started 17 games while throwing for 3,544 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also rushed for five touchdowns in 2023.
Ridder was ultimately traded to the Arizona Cardinals this offseason after the Falcons acquired Kirk Cousins in free agency. The Raiders signed him off the Cardinals' practice squad ahead of Week 8, and he's thrown for 239 yards and a touchdown in four games played in the Silver and Black.
"Whether I play, whether I don't play, whenever that decision is made," Ridder said. "Like I've said every week, I'm excited and blessed to have the opportunity to be able to go out there and step out on the field and be able to go do and play the game that I love, the game that I grew up playing, the game that I've put a lot of time, work, sweat and tears into. So whether it's against the Falcons – it doesn't matter who it's against. Any opportunity that I get to go out there and showcase my talents, it's an exciting time."
3. Preparing for Cousins
The Raiders defense getting pressure on Kirk Cousins could be the deciding the factor in this contest.
The Falcons quarterback has had a cold spell lately, throwing eight interceptions and zero touchdowns in his last four games. Lack of mobility could be hindering his production as he's stayed within the pocket 99.4% of the time on his dropbacks this season, the highest rate in the league among all quarterbacks, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. He's also been sacked eight times during the team's four-game losing streak.
All signs point to the defense needing to disrupt the pocket, which they've had success doing lately with nine total sacks in their last two games. Cousins has proved to be an extremely accurate quarterback in the pocket, with a 220 +EPA on dropbacks. He also has a 2-0 career record against the Raiders, recording 539 passing yards and four touchdowns in those games.
"[Y]ou've got to take into account the personnel, in terms of whether it's the quarterback, do they struggle versus it?" defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said, giving a glimpse into his gameplan for rushing the passer. "Look at the statistics on that, then you look at, 'Okay how's the o-line? Are they good at passing it off, are they going to allow you to, are they a protection team?' So, a lot of things go into play for that. But once you get in the game, it's got to be educated guesses. You don't want to say that, but sometimes there has to be a feel for when you go to a pressure."
4. A challenge on the ground
What makes the Falcons so difficult to defend is their prowess for running the ball.
It starts up front with exceptional interior offensive linemen led by two-time Pro Bowler Chris Lindstrom. Behind the formidable offensive line is a exceptional running back tandem in Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, a duo with a variety of skills that allow them to coexist. They've combined for 1,485 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns this season.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Robinson has gained +83 rushing yards over expected on designed runs this season (14th-most in NFL) and Allgeier has generated +73 (16th-most), making the Falcons one of only two teams with multiple running backs exceeding +70.
"It's definitely a challenge," Graham said. "You start with, I mean, the speed and the combination of size, and I know they're different, but there's definitely a size element to both of them. There's definitely a speed element, one more than the other. But again, they do such a good job with their scheme in terms of that stretch run game, in terms of the outside zone. Those guys, they're finding holes, they're well coached, but the challenge is just trying to get them on the ground. But it starts with dealing with the offensive line because they're playing well together right now as you look at it."
5. More burn for Burney?
Getting on the field has been a difficult task for linebacker Amari Burney considering what Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo bring to the defense. However, with his 12 snaps against the Buccaneers in Week 14, he maximized on his time on the field.
The second-year linebacker had a career game, picking up his first career sack, tackle for loss and forced fumble. According to Graham, he sees the game slowing down for the young player.
"He has good short space quickness," the defensive coordinator said. "He has good play speed. A lot of times with those younger players at the second level and the third level, what I've seen throughout the league, guys are getting those reps on special teams and then eventually, they start to flourish when they get in there on the defensive side of the ball or the offensive side of the ball. So, he's taking advantage of that."
6. Streaks and curses
While the Raiders are on a mission to break their nine-game losing streak, they also have a streak trying to break against the Falcons.
The Silver and Black have not defeated the Falcons since the 2000 season, dropping the last five games to them. The last time these two teams played was Week 12 of the 2020 season when the Falcons came away with a commanding 43-6 victory in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
As the Raiders prepare for their Week 15 matchup, take a look back at past matchups between the Silver and Black and the Atlanta Falcons.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Horace Jones (82) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 1971, in Atlanta, Ga.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Monte Johnson (58) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 30, 1975, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Clarence Hawkins (26) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum, Sunday, October 14, 1979, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Clarence Hawkins (26) rushes during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum, Sunday, October 14, 1979, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Willie Jones (90) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 14, 1979, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Ted Hendricks (83) and defensive end Willie Jones (90) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 14, 1979, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Derrick Jensen (31) and fullback Mark van Eeghen (30) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 30, 1979, in Oakland, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders linebacker Matt Millen (55) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, September 19, 1982, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver Malcolm Barnwell (80) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, September 19, 1982, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32), guard Curt Marsh (60), running back Frank Hawkins (27), and tight end Todd Christensen (46) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, September 19, 1982, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive tackle Archie Reese (74) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, September 19, 1982, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive tackle Archie Reese (74) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, September 19, 1982, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Kenny King (33) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, December 1, 1985, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver Dokie Williams (85) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, December 1, 1985, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, December 1, 1985, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, December 1, 1985, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, December 1, 1985, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders tight end Trey Junkin (87) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 20, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders punter Jeff Gossett (6) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 20, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 20, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Wilson (40) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, September 22, 1991, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Wilson (40) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, September 22, 1991, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders cornerback Lionel Washington (48) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, September 22, 1991, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders tight end Ethan Horton (88) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, September 22, 1991, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Wilson (40) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, September 22, 1991, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver Mervyn Fernandez (86) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Sunday, September 22, 1991, in Atlanta, Ga.
Los Angeles Raiders guard Kevin Gogan (66) and center Don Mosebar (72) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 23, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders tackle Greg Skrepenak (78) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 23, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles raiders wide receiver Raghib Ismail (86) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 23, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Anthony Smith (94) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 23, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 23, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Harvey Williams (22) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 23, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Harvey Williams (22) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 23, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Rob Fredrickson (53) and defensive end Anthony Smith (94) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome, Sunday, September 14, 1997, in Atlanta, Ga.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Desmond Howard (80) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome, Sunday, September 14, 1997, in Atlanta, Ga.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Anthony Smith (94) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome, Sunday, September 14, 1997, in Atlanta, Ga.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff George (3) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome, Sunday, September 14, 1997, in Atlanta, Ga.
Oakland Raiders center Barret Robbins (63) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, November 26, 2000, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders full back Zack Crockett (32) rushes during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, November 26, 2000, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson (24) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, November 26, 2000, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, November 26, 2000, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Grady Jackson (90) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, November 26, 2000, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Tony Bryant (94) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, November 26, 2000, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders safety Anthony Dorsett (33) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, November 26, 2000, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders safety Stuart Schweigert (30) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at The Georgia Dome, Sunday, December 12, 2004, in Atlanta, Ga.
The Oakland Raiders line up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at The Georgia Dome, Sunday, December 12, 2004, in Atlanta, Ga.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Bobby Hamilton (98) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at The Georgia Dome, Sunday, December 12, 2004, in Atlanta, Ga.
Oakland Raiders running back J.R. Redmond (27) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at The Georgia Dome, Sunday, December 12, 2004, in Atlanta, Ga.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Phillip Buchanon (31) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at The Georgia Dome, Sunday, December 12, 2004, in Atlanta, Ga.
Oakland Raiders safety Gibril Wilson (28) and linebacker Thomas Howard (53) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 2, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Greg Spires (94) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 2, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Trevor Scott (91) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 2, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (21) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 2, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 2, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 2, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) during the regular season home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 2, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Joselio Hanson (23) runs after making an interception during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome, Sunday, October 14, 2012, in Atlanta, Ga.
Oakland Raiders punter Shane Lechler (9) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome, Sunday, October 14, 2012, in Atlanta, Ga.
Oakland Raiders running back Mike Goodson (25) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome, Sunday, October 14, 2012, in Atlanta, Ga.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) makes a 25-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome, Sunday, October 14, 2012, in Atlanta, Ga.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome, Sunday, October 14, 2012, in Atlanta, Ga.
Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome, Sunday, October 14, 2012, in Atlanta, Ga.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Stacy McGee (92) during the regular reason home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 2016, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Ben Henney (50) during the regular reason home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 2016, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders safety Reggie Nelson (27) during the regular reason home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 2016, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) during the regular reason home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 2016, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) makes a catch for a 31-yard touchdown during the regular reason home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 2016, in Oakland, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Sunday, November 29, 2020, in Atlanta, Ga.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) eyes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Sunday, November 29, 2020, in Atlanta, Ga.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Sunday, November 29, 2020, in Atlanta, Ga.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) blocks during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Sunday, November 29, 2020, in Atlanta, Ga.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Sunday, November 29, 2020, in Atlanta, Ga.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50), defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90), linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Sunday, November 29, 2020, in Atlanta, Ga.
