The Atlanta Falcons didn’t land on the NFL’s naughty list in Week 15.
Whatever lousy vibes were swarming Flowery Branch the last few weeks, the last couple of wins, messy and undecisive as they were, were just the tonic the Falcons needed for their own confidence, even if it does nothing for their current championship-less, what-happens-after-the-regular-season state.
The Falcons, still beset with injured personnel, recurring mistakes, and other hindrances that stymied them all season, had to work harder than they should have to defeat a 3-11 team, but they made it happen against the Arizona Cardinals today, 26-19.
The most scrimmage yards by a player under the age of 24 in @NFL history:
Christian McCaffrey
Barry Sanders
Clinton Portis
Bijan Robinson pic.twitter.com/RZN4ePI0z2— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 21, 2025
The difference maker once again was Bijan Robinson, with 92 receiving yards from 7 receptions. He got one touchdown today. Number 7 also updated the Falcons’ record books in the process of keeping his team out of the loser column for another Sunday. He surpassed 2,000 scrimmage yards this season, the third in franchise history to accomplish this. It was a pre-Christmas individual accomplishment gift that wasn’t Grinch-ed by a team loss.
“It’s all God,” said Robinson, this week’s Baller of the Game. “I have said countless prayers this offseason and season just to be able to do as much as I can for my team. It’s a cool achievement individually.” He credits the offensive line for helping bring home the win.
QB Kirk Cousins (197 passing yards, 21/35 pass attempts, 2 TD’s, 1 interception) wouldn’t argue that divine intervention helped the Falcons improve their record to 6-9 at Glendale, Arizona, today. However, he also said the team focused on playing like they had something to play for these remaining few games when they actually don’t.
Kirk Cousins embracing the holiday spirit. pic.twitter.com/oyyQBtqyZr
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) December 22, 2025
“There’s been no letup since we were out of the playoffs,” said Cousins, decked out in a festive holiday suit, meeting the press after the game. “Didn’t expect it to be any different.”
And it certainly wasn’t easy in this game. The Cardinals tested Atlanta’s defense consistently, with the Falcons’ pass rush having to keep up with the Cards’ Jacoby Brissett. The team struggled in the first quarter, tying it up at the half and creeping and staying in the lead to the end of the game.
Play your cards right pic.twitter.com/XLkZYqTs5d
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 22, 2025
Coach Raheem Morris, who may be noticing his chair getting less hot with these back-to-back wins, saw positives in performances by Robinson (“absolutely outstanding”), back from injury Drake London (“looked good”), increasingly dependable Kyle Pitts (“outstanding on conversion downs”), and the just-added cornerback CJ Henderson. (“Can’t be more happy for the kid.”)
The egg nog will go down much better this holiday in Flowery Branch after this win. They will turn their attention to the 11-4 L.A. Rams on another national prime time showcase, Monday Night Football, next week. Visions of holding a Vince Lombardi Trophy over their heads will be another Christmas dream for these Falcons for at least another season. Maybe more. But at least tonight, Santa brought them something they needed most immediately: a win.
Image credit: Atlanta Falcons
