The Falcons can now turn their attention to next Sunday’s rematch against the Saints after today’s dominant 43-6 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. After last week’s ugly loss in New Orleans, this was the kind of response fans wanted to see out of interim coach Raheem Morris, who is now 4-2 since taking over for Dan Quinn.
Going in different direction than a week ago, here are this week’s winners and losers from Sunday’s victory.
Winner: Younghoe Koo
Even when injured, Koo is automatic. At this point, Koo is just stat padding his already extensive Pro Bowl bid. On the day, Koo converted on all five of his field goal attempts, three of those kicks were after he suffered a knee injury due to a raiders penalty. He made a 54-yard kick to tie his season long. Koo has now made 29 of 30 field goals on the season and shows no signs of slowing down.
Loser: Brian Hill and Ito Smith
Hill was designated as the Falcons starter due to Todd Gurley being unavailable with a knee injury, with Ito Smith as his primary backup. While both players did turn the corner late in the game, they were largely ineffective during the first three quarters. Even with a below-average performance, Smith did manage to score a late touchdown to officially put the game to bed. You would like to see more from these two, especially if Gurley cannot go again next week.
Winner: Foye oluokun
Oluokun is trying to join Koo in making his ever Pro Bowl. Atlanta’s third-year linebacker forced his fourth fumble of the season when he strip-sacked Derek Carr. Oluokun would later recover another fumble that was forced by LaRoy Reynolds in the fourth quarter.
Loser: Falcons pass protection
While the Falcons were able to move up and down the field throughout much of the second half, there were still times were the pass rush disrupted the offense’s flow. Maxx Crosby and Carl Nassib gave Atlanta trouble at times on Sunday. In addition, LG James Carpenter did go down with an unknown injury. Hennessey does have experience at the position and could see time next week if Carpenter is out.
Winner: Raheem Morris
After starting the season 0-5, you wouldn’t be wrong for not having faith in Raheem Morris. However, his 4-2 record as interim head coach is pretty impressive and has potential to be even more impressive with the upcoming slate of opponents. How the team performs against New Orleans in Week 13 will say a lot about Morris’ coaching abilities.
Winner: Playoff hopes
Despite a ton of armchair general managers wishing the Falcons would try and get a better draft position, this team still understands that there is plenty of football left to be played and COVID-19 can create a lot of uncertainty. Not only did the Falcons help themselves by winning against the Raiders, but losses for both Carolina and Arizona shrink the wildcard playoff gap.
Not to mention, there are a number of late afternoon games that could also benefit Atlanta’s playoff hopes.
Biggest Winner: Falcons’ defense
Give praise to anybody who started the Falcons’ defense in their fantasy league. Atlanta forced five turnovers and LB Deion Jones recorded a pick-6. The defense were also able to bring the pressure and sack Raiders QB Derek Carr five times.
Foye Oluokun and Deion Jones spearheaded a dominant defensive effort, slowing down an opposing offense that went toe-to-toe with Kansas City last weekend. The Falcons even proved stout when covering tight end Darren Waller, a position that has hurt the Falcons all season long.
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