With just four games left in the regular season, the playoffs may already be starting for the Falcons, who are struggling at a critical time.
Atlanta is heading into Monday night’s game against Las Vegas with a four-game losing streak, which isn’t as bad as the Raiders’ NFL-worst nine-game skid.
Given how poor the Raiders’ season has been, it’s important for the Falcons to take advantage of this opportunity. They are 6-7 and one game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South. Since the Falcons won both meetings with the Buccaneers, they hold the tiebreaker advantage.
“There is definitely more (urgency) into this game than in most games,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said. “We are essentially playing playoff-type football right now. All these games become must-wins except the only thing that’s different right now is you don’t go home.”
The Falcons have a relatively easy schedule ahead, with three of their last four opponents having a combined 7-32 record going into this weekend. Only the Washington Commanders (8-5) have a winning record.
“Definitely feel a sense of urgency,” Atlanta defensive tackle Grady Jarrett said. “There’s not much, if any, room for error. We have to control what we can, and that’s the next game.”
Coach Morris has been asked multiple times in the last two weeks about the struggles of quarterback Kirk Cousins and whether he might switch to rookie Michael Penix Jr. Morris has said he will stick with Cousins, even though he has thrown eight interceptions and no touchdown passes during the Falcons’ losing streak.
Las Vegas (2-11) has many questions, including whether Aidan O’Connell or Desmond Ridder will start at quarterback. Other uncertainties include coach Antonio Pierce’s job security and the possibility of the Raiders receiving the first overall draft pick.
O’Connell hurt his left knee last weekend against the Bucs, but the injury wasn’t as serious as it seemed at first. If he can’t play, Ridder will face the Raiders, a team for which he started 13 games last season.
Then there’s the question of Pierce’s job. Mark Davis gave a vague answer when asked whether the coach would be kept.
Despite all the struggles the Raiders are facing, they could end up with the No. 1 draft pick and possibly land the franchise quarterback they desperately need.
However, Pierce and his players aren’t focusing on that. They want to finish the season strong, and one way to do that is by trying to spoil the Falcons’ playoff chances.
