Encouraging signs:
-They had three interceptions in the game after not having a single interception in the first four games of the season.
-The pass rush did imrprove somewhat in this game. The Raiders had one sack and quite a few hits and pressures on Matt Ryan. One of those hits resulted in the Raiders third interception.
-Darren McFadden looked like he was going to break out and he did have his second best rushing effort of the season. Unfortunately once the numbers came down, he was still at a 2.6 yards per carry average. Although he did score a touchdown.
Discouraging signs
-The pass protection was not great. The offensive line was called for holding several times which negated a few nice plays. Falcons John Abraham had a sack from each side of the line. The second one came courtesy of Jared Veldheer and resulted in a strip which the Falcons recovered at the two yard line. Luckily the Raiders were able to hold them out of the endzone despite setting up in first and goal at the two.
-They gave up the lead again in the third quarter
-Carson Palmer threw a late interception returned for a TD with the Raiders set up in scoring position. So instead of taking the lead, they were suddenly down by a touchdown.
-Prevent defense prevented them from winning as the Falcons were able to pick and pop down the field to kick the game winning field goal.
See what the Falcoholic had to say about the win:
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