Falcons Top Cardinals 26–19 for Second Straight Win

The Atlanta Falcons closed out their road trip with a hard-fought 26–19 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, December 21, 2025, in Week 16. The victory was sealed late when newly signed cornerback C.J. Henderson stepped in front of a Jacoby Brissett pass for a game-clinching interception, securing Atlanta’s second consecutive win even as the team sits outside the playoff picture.

It was a complete, disciplined performance from the Falcons, who controlled the game with balanced offense and timely defense. Kirk Cousins threw two touchdown passes and added a short rushing score, while Bijan Robinson continued his remarkable season with another all-around performance that kept Arizona’s defense on its heels.

The win carried historical significance for Atlanta, marking the franchise’s first victory in Arizona since 2001. Defensively, the Falcons recorded two sacks, pushing their season total to 50, the second-most in a single season in franchise history. Eleven different Falcons now have multiple sacks this season, a testament to the unit’s depth and consistent pressure.

Atlanta’s efficiency in the red zone was again on display. The Falcons scored a touchdown on all three of their red-zone trips and have now found the end zone on seven consecutive red-zone drives, the second-longest active streak in the NFL.

Cousins finished the afternoon completing 21 of 35 passes for 197 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also punched in a one-yard rushing touchdown late in the first half, his 20th career rushing score and his first since 2022. With his two passing touchdowns, Cousins moved into sole possession of 15th place all-time with 296 career touchdown passes. He is now one of just eight quarterbacks in NFL history with at least 295 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns.

Robinson was once again the engine of Atlanta’s offense. He totaled 168 scrimmage yards, hauling in seven receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown while adding 76 yards on 16 carries. With that performance, Robinson became just the third Falcon in franchise history to eclipse 2,000 scrimmage yards in a single season, joining Jamal Anderson and William Andrews. He also surpassed Edgerrin James and Clinton Portis for the third-most scrimmage yards by a player under the age of 24 in NFL history.

Robinson now has six games this season with at least 150 scrimmage yards, more than any player in the league, and Sunday marked his 28th career game with at least 100 scrimmage yards—also the most by any player since he entered the NFL in 2023. His explosiveness was evident again with a 41-yard reception in the second quarter, giving him the most 40-plus-yard catches among running backs this season. He continues to lead all players with 788 yards after the catch, the most by a Falcon in a single season since 1992.

Tight end Kyle Pitts continued his strong late-season stretch, catching a five-yard touchdown pass just before halftime. The score gave him a career-best five touchdowns this season. Pitts finished with seven catches for 57 yards and now holds the franchise record for most receiving yards by a tight end over a four-game span, totaling 395. Sunday also marked his fourth straight game with at least six receptions.

Defensively, Henderson’s late interception headlined a strong afternoon. He finished with four tackles and recorded his first interception since 2022. Linebacker Divine Deablo added six tackles and a career-high two passes defensed, while Josh Woods made his impact felt on special teams with three tackles. Arnold Ebiketie recorded his second sack of the season, and Brandon Dorlus added a half sack, bringing his total to 7.5—tops among NFC interior defensive linemen.

Rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. continued his breakout campaign with another half sack, extending his streak to seven consecutive games with at least a half sack. Pearce now has 8.5 sacks, leading all rookies, and since Week 10, his eight sacks rank third in the NFL.

Zane Gonzalez was steady once again, connecting on field goals from 49 and 40 yards to help Atlanta maintain control throughout the game.

While the postseason is no longer within reach, the Falcons continue to play with pride, execution, and momentum. The Falcons will return home after Christmas for a Monday Night Football matchup on December 29, when they take on the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.