Monday Night Football: Falcons lead Raiders 9-3 at halftime

The Falcons’ defense held the Raiders to 80 yards and a field goal, forced a turnover, had two sacks and recorded a safety. That helped Atlanta to a 9-3 halftime lead over Las Vegas.

The only touchdown of the game came on Kirk Cousins’ 30-yard throw to Drake London, the first touchdown pass thrown by a Falcons quarterback since Week 9. Cousins ​​had eight interceptions and no touchdowns in the last four games.

However, the Falcons gained just 128 yards with Cousins ​​going 7-of-9 for 84 yards, with London catching two for 48. Bijan Robinson ran for 58 yards on 10 carries.

The Falcons defense dominated, with the Raiders’ only scoring drive going 37 yards in nine plays. It’s the only time in five possessions that the Raiders crossed midfield.

Atlanta defensive lineman Zach Harrison tackled Las Vegas running back Alexander Mattison in the end zone for a safety after Bradley Pinion’s punt pinned the Raiders at the 3 to start the drive.

Mattison fumbled on the Raiders’ first drive, which Kevin King recovered for the Falcons at the Las Vegas 48. However, the Falcons gained just 10 yards before punting.

Desmond Ridder, starting against his former team with Aidan O’Connell inactive with a bone bruise in his knee, is 7-of-11 for 59 yards. Ridder also leads the team in rushing with 22 yards on three carries. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers has three catches for 35 yards.