Kirk Cousins’ Falcons Meltdown Continues as Jets Stun with Last-Second Field Goal Triumph
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins anticipated a “dog fight” against the New York Jets, and the prediction proved accurate. Despite being outplayed in nearly every statistical category, the Jets managed to tie the game at 24-24 with just 1:53 remaining. The Falcons had two opportunities to regain control in the final moments but failed to capitalize. A timely punt return set the Jets up at their own 43-yard line, allowing them to orchestrate a drive that culminated in a stunning 56-yard game-winning field goal by Nick Folk. Here are the key takeaways from the Falcons’ 30-27 defeat.
Efficiency in the Face of Limitations
Kirk Cousins, at this stage in his career, has shown his limitations, particularly with the receiving corps he had at his disposal on Sunday. With Darnell Mooney, David Sills V, and practice squad promotion Devin Thompkins as his primary targets, Cousins leaned heavily on standout running back Bijan Robinson and a robust defense to navigate through a struggling Jets team. Although Cousins did not make any critical errors and completed 21 of 33 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown, the absence of a deep-threat option was glaring. The Falcons’ passing game struggles could prove detrimental if they find themselves needing to rely on it more frequently in the future.
Leaning on Bijan Robinson
There appears to be a persistent misunderstanding regarding Bijan Robinson’s usage. Entering the game, he was already averaging a strong 20.1 touches per game, ranking fifth in the NFL. Only Christian McCaffrey, Bucky Irving, Jonathan Taylor, and James Cook surpassed him in touches, and none of those backs have a backup of Tyler Allgeier’s caliber. On Sunday, Robinson showcased his abilities with 23 carries and 5 receptions, totaling 28 touches. For context, McCaffrey leads the league with an impressive 24.8 touches per game, indicating that Robinson is being utilized effectively.
Third Down Troubles Persist
The Falcons’ struggles on third down have become an ongoing issue. Their inability to convert has plagued them regardless of the opponent. They failed to convert on their first four possessions, going 0-4 on third down. It wasn’t until a short pass to Kyle Pitts with 75 seconds left in the first half that they finally converted, leading to a touchdown that tied the game at 7-7 before halftime. Ultimately, the Falcons completed just 4 of 12 attempts on third down, maintaining their season average of 33%—a ranking that places them 29th in the NFL.
Special Teams Woes Continue
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting different results, a sentiment that aptly describes Falcons special teams coach Marquice Williams’ insistence on utilizing Jamal Agnew as a return man. A costly muffed punt at the six-yard line led to the Jets’ first touchdown. This marked Agnew’s fourth fumble of the season on just 41 returns. His performance on kickoffs has been equally underwhelming, ranking 28th in the league with an average of 25 yards per return. Despite the preseason hype surrounding his potential, Agnew has yet to deliver on expectations.
Special Teams Struggles Again
It’s hard to refrain from discussing the ongoing issues with the Falcons’ special teams. After briefly taking a 17-14 lead, Williams’ unit allowed an 83-yard kickoff return to Isaiah Williams, which set up a field goal for the Jets. Although the defense, bolstered by a dropped pass from John Metchie, managed to limit the damage to just three points, those 10 points are a direct indictment of the special teams, which continue to falter.
Kyle Pitts Rising in Value
Kyle Pitts’ future with the Falcons appears uncertain as he is likely to seek a lucrative contract in free agency—potentially three years and $36 million. With numerous other roster needs, the Falcons may hesitate to allocate significant funds to a tight end. However, should Pitts secure a substantial deal, the Falcons could benefit from a compensatory draft pick in 2027. He finished this game with 7 receptions for 82 yards, underscoring his value.
Youthful Mistakes and Big Plays
The Falcons’ strategy of deploying a youthful roster comes with its fair share of growing pains. Safety Xavier Watts, in particular, has experienced his share of rookie struggles, notably being caught out of position on a 52-yard touchdown pass to Adonai Mitchell. However, he also showcased his potential, breaking up passes and preventing further scoring opportunities. Balancing the inevitable rookie mistakes with flashes of brilliance will be crucial for the team’s development.
Looking Ahead
After facing back-to-back teams with losing records, the Falcons will encounter a more formidable opponent in the 8-3 Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The challenge will test their resilience and highlight areas that need improvement if they hope to contend moving forward.
