Kirk Cousins grilled by Falcons fans after throwing awful interception vs. Raiders: "He needs to be benched" 

On Monday night, Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons faced the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in a must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive. The first half wasn't exciting viewing. But all was going to plan for the visitors, as they went into the halftime break with a 9-3 lead. However, they had a disastrous start to the third quarter.

On the first play of the opening drive of the second half, Cousins threw a pass intended for tight end Charlie Woerner, but he misplaced it and threw it straight into the waiting arms of linebacker Robert Spillane.

Falcons fans voiced their frustration about the veteran quarterback's rookie error on social media and demanded he be benched:

Fans demanded that the team replace Cousins with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr.:

"Time to play Penix," opined @PortersBurgh.

"The people want Penix," @SalleyBMitchell said.

"Not having Justin Jefferson really hurt him. Put Penix in, man," said @jahgetbuckets21.

Fortunately for the quarterback, the interception did not cost the Falcons much. The defense continued to stifle the Raiders' offense and got them off the field and the special teams blocked the subsequent punt to give Kirk Cousins and the offense terrific field position to start their next drive.

Kirk Cousins stats: Falcons win despite QB's underwhelming display

The Falcons were in the lead for the majority of the game but the Raiders rallied late in the fourth quarter. They set themselves up to win the game with a walk-off Hail Mary but Atlanta's defense held its nerve to secure the win for their team.

The game shouldn't have gotten this close, but the Falcons' offense's inability to put points on the scoreboard almost cost them another game. Kirk Cousins' poor run of form continued as he finished with 112 passing yards, one touchdown pass, and an interception.

His touchdown pass to wide receiver Drake London ended his streak of four games without one. That explains why the Falcons had lost four straight games before their win on Monday night over the Raiders.

Atlanta has no room for error. They have to win their remaining three games to stand a chance of winning the division and earning a playoff berth. Even that wouldn't be enough if the Buccaneers also win their remaining three games.

However, the Falcons have to hold up their end of the bargain, but they likely won't be able to if Cousins continues to perform like he has over the past five games.