The Las Vegas Raiders’ season continues its downward spiral, as they suffered their 10th consecutive loss with a 15-9 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium on Monday.
The Raiders fell to 2-12 on the season.
“We need all three phases to play well,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said. “It was a bad day at the office. Bottom line.”
????????️ Live: Antonio Pierce and Desmond Ridder address the media from Allegiant Stadium. https://t.co/aqZVYBIr8D
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 17, 2024
Here are a few takeaways from the game:
Offense Flashes Some Life…But Not Enough
The Raiders offense didn’t generate enough offense to win the game. Sure, it scored a touchdown to make it a one-score game (15-9), but overall, the game highlighted the lack of playing a complete game as an offensive unit.
They totaled 249 yards of offense, with a bulk of it coming in the fourth quarter when the offense hit its stride in a no-huddle offense.
“We just moved the ball,” quarterback Desmond Ridder said of the fourth-quarter offensive efficiency.
Ridder went 23-for-39 for 208 yards with a touchdown and an interception and ran for 28 yards on five carries.
“He battled,” Pierce said. “He’s a fighter. … He gave us a chance. We’re down inside the 40-yard line. Plus 40 to give our team one more chance. One more opportunity. He fought. Proud of his effort and the way he competed.”
Raiders Defense Bends, Doesn’t Break
The Raiders defense kept the Falcons in check for most of the game. Outside of Kirk Cousins’s 30-yard pass to Drake London for the lone Falcons touchdown, the defense limited the Falcons’ offense to just 261 yards and allowed three field goals.
The defense had three sacks and an interception.
“Guys are all-in. We’re not winning,” Pierce said. “I don’t know what else to tell y’all. S***, do I want to win? Hell yeah, I want to win. Do I sit here and look at the same *** **** thing we’re looking at every week and have the same discussion with y’all? … These guys aren’t budging. I’m not budging. We’ll keep chopping wood and some point the damn thing will break and go our way.”
Critical Penalty
The Raiders looked in a fine position to get the ball back with a little more than two minutes remaining.
But Robert Spillane was called for a roughing the passer call, extending the Falcons’ last drive.
It didn’t end up hurting the Raiders too badly, however. The Falcons threw a pass on third and 6, so the Raiders got plenty of time to mount a comeback.
No Update on McCormick
Running back Sincere McCormick left the game in the second quarter with an ankle injury.
Pierce offered no additonal updates on McCormick, and said the running back will be evaluated later this week.
“It’s a lower leg injury,” Pierce said. “I believe ankle. Got to get more X-rays.”
Prior to being injured, McCormick had eight yards on seven carries and two catches for 17 yards.
Paul Delos Santos is the Las Vegas sports insider for Dice City Sports. Follow him on X at @PaulDelos_.
