In addition to a strong rushing attack, the Falcons’ defense came through with three sacks, six quarterback hits, one safety and ten tackles for loss.

Additionally, special teams blocked a punt, overturned another and blocked an extra point while punter Bradley Pinion kept the Raiders in poor field position.

“Our defense was phenomenal,” Cousins ​​said. “Our special teams were phenomenal. Our running game was strong. We didn’t really convert enough third downs to stay on the field and then turned some of those drives into points.”

The Falcons converted 4 of 13 (31%) on third downs.

“The running game was solid,” Cousins ​​said. “It was consistent. We got a lot of different looks from the Raiders. Our (offensive) line and our (wide) receivers handled it well. The backs ran hard. Had some great runs. We relied on them and they did a great job for us tonight.”

Cousins ​​broke his streak of not throwing a touchdown pass in four games. He connected with Drake London for a 30-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.

“The corner was a little aggressive on the touchdown,” Cousin said. “He really anticipated the situation and when Drake did the double move, it was the right decision. Great play design by (offensive coordinator) Zac (Robinson). Drake made a great play and got six (points) out of it.”

London was overjoyed with the touchdown pass. Cousins’ final touchdown pass came in the third quarter against the Cowboys on November 3.

“(Raiders cornerback Jack Jones) took a look at Kirk and he sold it,” London said. “He helped me open up. He really ran the route for me. It was great to get back in the end zone.”

Cousins ​​gave Jones a hard pump fake. But know that he needs to get back on track if the Falcons want to make a legitimate playoff run.

“I think I can play better,” Cousins ​​said. “I don’t think it’s a mystery. I think in the last few weeks I would say I need to play better. Then (coach) Raheem (Morris) says the obvious. Each week you go through your process and plan to play the best you can. So this week will be no different.”

Cousins ​​said he feels good physically and mentally.

“I think you know it was an interesting game,” Cousins ​​said. “We got some third downs, but we have to convert them. Whether it was a third-and-long situation or whether it was a big zone drop. There were a few where we just had no contact. But if we had converted some of those third downs, it would have made a big difference in terms of staying on the field and scoring points. Those plays had more significance when it came to leaving points.”

Morris assessed Cousins’ play a little more directly.

“He has to play better,” Morris said. “Of course you have to go back and look at everything. But he wants to play better. He will play better. We have to find a way to make him play better. … We have to play better at the quarterback position.”

Morris dodged a question about whether he might call on backup rookie Michael Penix Jr. if Cousins ​​continues to play poorly.

“We have everyone on our roster for a reason,” Morris said. “These things are always discussed. That’s just the nature of football. There’s just so much talk about it at the quarterback position because there’s only one guy out there. For us, our mentality is to find a way to win the next game. That’s just the mentality we’re going to have.”

Cousins ​​threw another interception, good for 16th in the league this season.

“I think the interception early in the second half was certainly bad,” Cousins ​​said. “That’s the part you don’t want to have at all. The defense did a great job up there. Special teams came and it didn’t hurt us in the end, but it still happened.”

Cousins ​​plans to improve before the Falcons take on the Giants on Sunday.

“I think it’s all about making decisions so you don’t put the ball in danger,” Cousins ​​said. “I don’t try to be too aggressive. That’s really the key to protecting football.”